Leeds United Women will face Doncaster Rovers Belles in this year’s Julie Chipchase Memorial Match on Sunday.
This tie not only provides a stern pre-season test ahead of the 2024/25 FAWNL Division One North campaign for Simon Wood’s side but also celebrates the life of a true pioneer of the women’s game.
Held for the first time in 2021, the fixture brings together two of Julie’s former clubs, with ‘Chippy’ having played for and then managed the Belles during her illustrious career before leading the Whites to their first-ever Women’s FA Cup final in 2006.
Beyond the on-pitch action, the afternoon will mark the official launch of the Julie Chipchase Coaching Legacy. This charity aims to provide financial support for aspiring female coaches to study for their FA badges.
Last season, Leeds claimed the bragging rights when the Yorkshire rivals met in the league, first recording a 3-1 victory away from home thanks to Paige Williams’ brace and Kath Smith’s second-half goal. The two sides clashed again in January, with last season’s Player of the Season, Jess Rousseau, adding another two goals to her tally as United ran out 4-2 winners on home soil.
Only three points separated the teams as the curtain fell on last season, with the Whites finishing sixth in the league standings and Doncaster in seventh.
The friendly may also give fans their first chance to see new signings Shauna Legge, Drew Greene, and Ellie White in action for Leeds after the trio recently joined from Halifax Women.
Last time out against the Belles:
