Women's Performance Football

Loughborough University offers a unique environment to develop in sport whilst gaining a prestigious degree.

Loughborough Students Women’s Football Club offers many competitive opportunities. The performance team compete in the British Universities & Colleges Sports (BUCS) Northern Premier League. Performance players also compete as Loughborough Lightning FC alongside the BUCS programme at Tier 4 in the Women’s National Football League.

Each year Loughborough University invests a million pounds in performance sport, and a million pounds in facilities. Thanks to this investment, Director of Football Richard Allen is able to lead a professional programme of coaching and support.

As a first team performance squad member you will receive expert coaching, access to our world class facilities, heavily discounted Powerbase gym membership, strength and conditioning training, nutrition, sports science and sports medicine support. Within the programme players also have access to Performance Lifestyle support and our top athletes can apply for scholarships.

  • 2-3 Team training sessions (with additional 1 to 1 technical sessions).

  • 2-3 Strength and Conditioning sessions (individual specific programmes).

  • Team video analysis.

  • Massage and physiotherapy.

  • Nutrition support.

  • Performance Lifestyle support.

Charles Baxter

Head Coach

Former Loughborough Student Charles Baxter took charge of Lightning towards the end of the 2022/23 season, following a spell as Ipswich Town assistant manager. Having spent over five years at Birmingham City, Baxter brings a wealth of experience to the role, along with excellence in player development and tactical awareness.