Honeyball United WFC club set up for women in York

Jo Hollings, Kat Richardson and Kate White have set up Honeyball United Women’s Football Club – the first grassroots club in the North Riding Football Association to be led by women for women.

Jo, Kat and Kate have championed inclusive football for women of all abilities for many years and saw an opportunity to go one step further – by building a club from the ground up that reflects the values they stand for.

Honeyball United WFC is named in honour of Nettie Honeyball, the pioneering founder of the British Ladies’ Football Club in 1896 and hopes to carry forward her legacy of women’s empowerment, equality and ambition.

Honeyball United Women’s Football Club is open to women of all abilities  (Image: Submitted) The venture marks a new chapter for women’s recreational football. With an entirely female committee, the club is breaking new ground in a space still often dominated by male leadership. Roles from chair to club development officer are held by women passionate about making football welcoming, accessible, and inclusive.

RECOMMENDED READS: 

Even the club logo was designed by one of the team, with members voting on their favourite design, and the club colours replicating the red, navy and white worn by Honeyball herself.

Its mission is rooted in inclusion, wellbeing and community.

Built on a strong constitution and clear ethos, Honeyball United WFC exists to promote and grow grassroots women’s football across York and beyond as well as to foster a safe, inclusive, and uplifting environment for women of all abilities.

It also sets out to champion physical and mental wellbeing through sport and uphold the values of respect, equality, and fair play both on and off the pitch.

Some action shots taken during training (Image: Submitted)The club welcomes players of all backgrounds – whether you’ve never kicked a ball before or you’re returning after years away. From league matches to casual kickabouts, it’s a space where community and confidence grow together.

Honeyball United WFC is being sponsored by two female-led, York-based businesses. Bang Hair, based on Bishopthorpe Road, and Andrea Morrison Coaching.

Honeyball United WFC is affiliated with North Riding FA and based at Energise Leisure Centre in Acomb, York. Anyone who is looking to join as a player, volunteer, or supporter is being invited ‘to be part of something bold and brilliant’.

Club organisers have been blown away by the number of women who want to be involved in Honeyball United (Image: Submitted)Kat Richardson, cofounder and chair, said: “I’m incredibly passionate about creating opportunities for women of all ages to play football. As well as the obvious benefits like fitness, the friendship and community spirit that come from playing a team sport like football is really powerful.”

Jo Hollings, cofounder and secretary, said: “We’ve been absolutely blown away by the number of women who have come forward to join the Honeyball United committee and get involved in running the club. And we’re hoping to expand on this by creating more opportunities to get involved in coaching and leading the sessions, as well as more opportunities to play.”

Kate White, cofounder and welfare officer, said: “It’s an exciting opportunity to include more women, with a fully female committee and members getting involved it’s all about women creating fun, safe inclusive spaces for other women.”

Honeyball United WFC is hosting its first FA big event Euros watch party at the Cross Keys in York on Saturday 5 July, from 7pm until 10pm when England plays France in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. Anyone interested in women’s football is invited to join. 

For more information, follow the club on Facebook: Honeyball United WFC or Instagram: @honeyballunited_wfc or contact them at info@honeyballunitedwfc.