Phillips' squad eager to head into the new season

A preseason campaign will certainly prove to shape a team. With new additions, new facilities and the same vision, this summer has seen London City add some integral pieces to help prepare the team for a competitive FA Women’s Championship season.

We have already faced some tough competition this summer and Head Coach Melissa Phillips is keen to point out, such tests are what preseason is all about.

“We've had a couple opportunities to test our identity and the strength of competition has gotten stronger and stronger in each of our preseason matches.

We are really looking forward to testing ourselves, both physically, mentally and then tactically as we prepare for match-day 1.”

This summer has also seen 10 new faces walk into Princes Park. Such an influx of players could be perceived as disruptive, but this has proved to be quite the contrary according to Phillips.

"The new signings have integrated incredibly well, and despite having 10 new faces, it feels like we've been together for a long time. It's a really special group.

We are all very ambitious, aligned in our vision, our values and what we want to accomplish this season."

Yet, whilst there’s been numerous progressions happening on the pitch, the off season has also seen changes behind the scenes.

“It's such an exciting time around the club right now,” remarks Phillips, “with new facilities, we have a setup that will allow us to prepare for the challenges in the season ahead.”

This new connection to Princes Park comes at a special time for the club, with this Sunday’s behind closed doors match against West Ham United marking the long-awaited return of family, friends and now academy players to the ground.

“It’s been a long time coming for families, friends and supporters to be able to come back to Princes Park, so we're incredibly excited to welcome them.

Phillips added In addition, the work that our Sporting Director Edward, and the club have done over the past year to implement an academy pathway at London City has been incredible.”

“It will be a really great day for the club as we will be able to invite our Development Squad and Academy to support us against West Ham”

With this in mind, what are the goals and aims for the Lionesses in their third season?

This group is hungry, humble, hard working, and we all align with the vision of the club, which is promotion to the Super League.”

She continued, “We’ve learned a lot about ourselves over the past two seasons and have been able to implement some key processes to advance the club on and off the pitch. We are all excited about the direction and progress we’re making towards our goals. It is a constant process of learning, growth and bettering ourselves together.”

This upcoming 2021/22 season promises to be another exciting year ahead for London City Lionesses.