Performance Women's Football

At Loughborough University, we are proud to offer a dynamic and competitive women’s football programme that supports players both on and off the pitch. Our proven pathway enables talented footballers to develop as high-performing athletes while pursuing an exceptional academic experience.

Loughborough Lightning FC, our senior women’s team, competes in the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Division 1 Midlands and the FA Cup, providing elite-level competition and exposure. 

Alongside Lightning, we field four additional teams in British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), with our performance side competing in the BUCS Northern Premier League, the top tier of university football. 

Loughborough University offers one of the UK’s most supportive and high-quality environments for dual-career athletes. Each year, over £1 million is invested into performance sport and facilities, allowing Director of Football Richard Allen to lead a professional programme underpinned by a dedicated team of staff committed to player development. 

Training and competition take place at Loughborough’s world-class facilities, supported by expert coaching. Recruitment takes place year-round, and trials for BUCS teams are held during the first week of the academic year. 

The Loughborough Lightning football team standing in a huddle on the pitch.

Loughborough Lightning

Loughborough Lightning FC is the University’s high-performance women’s football team, established in 2021- 22 from the foundations of the Student Women’s Football Club and Loughborough Foxes.

As part of the Lightning franchise, alongside Netball, Rugby, Cycling, and Wheelchair Basketball, we are proud to champion women’s sport at the highest level.

Based at Loughborough University’s world-class facilities, our programme focuses on innovation, collaboration, and development, empowering players to reach their full potential.

Whether aiming to play professionally, represent your country, or excel in university football, Lightning provides the tools, culture, and support to help you succeed.

Benefits

1-2 games – competing in the FAWNL and BUCS
3 team training sessions per week
2 weekly tailored strength and conditioning sessions at Powerbase Gym
Team video and data performance analysis sessions
Comprehensive Performance Support, including access to physiotherapy, nutrition, psychology, physiology, and more
Performance Lifestyle support to help you balance elite sport with academic success
Scholarship opportunities for athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent and commitment

Our star alumni

Annabel Johnson

BSc Sport Management alumni

Johnson played for Coventry City whilst attending Loughborough University, where she also captained the Women’s 1st team. Current player for Crystal Palace in the Women’s Championship. 

Millie Chandarana

BSc Sport and Exercise Science alumni

Former player of Loughborough University’s 1st team.  Chandarana currently plays for Blackburn Rovers in the Women’s Championship. 

Monique Robinson in purple kit on the football pitch

Monique Robinson

Player for Loughborough Lightning during the 2022-2023 season whilst on a dual registration loan. Robinson has now signed her first professional contract since returning to Leicester City.

Mikayla Wildgoose in purple kit running on the football pitch

Mikayla Wildgoose

Player for Loughborough Lightning during the 2022-2023 season on a dual registration basis with Birmingham City. Mikayla has since signed a professional contract with Burnley FC.

A headshot of Abbey Hateley

Loughborough is a place of unity where everyone strives for success and supports one another. My team encourage each other massively and although it’s competitive, it’s rewarding being surrounded by such great people, both in football and in Loughborough as a whole.

Abbey Hateley
BSc Sport and Exercise Science

Coaching staff

Headshot of Charlie Baxter

Charles Baxter

Head Coach Loughborough Lightning FC

Former Assistant Manager at Ipswich Town Women FC and Birmingham City Women FC. Charles has also worked with the FA’s Girls National Development Programme. 

Headshot of Mat Stock

Mat Stock

Football Programme Manager

Mat brings valuable experience from university football and the professional game, having spent two years as a PDP Player Care Officer at Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. A UEFA B Licensed coach, he works with Loughborough Foxes and holds additional qualifications in Goalkeeping (Level 2) and Talent ID (Level 2). 

Prospective students

If you are interested in joining the Performance Football programme please fill in the form below to the best of your knowledge.

The application forms are regularly monitored and someone from the football programme will respond to you as soon as possible.

Application form

Performance Women's Football is sponsored by