It was a real pleasure to welcome back a very familiar face to Prestfelde this week, as former PE teacher Mrs Tidman-Poole returned to school to work with our girls’ football teams.
Fresh from her time as Head Coach of Shrewsbury Town Women, Darel brought a wealth of experience from the professional game to a special coaching session with our pupils. Her return was particularly special for those who remember her as a much-loved member of the Prestfelde PE Department, and we know that, like many of our former staff and pupils, the pull of Prestfelde is never too far away!
With girls’ football continuing to go from strength to strength at Prestfelde, the opportunity to spend time learning from Darel was one we simply couldn’t turn down. She worked closely with the girls throughout the session, focusing on their individual skills, fitness, movement and decision-making, while also encouraging them to think about their game as a team.
The session was a fantastic opportunity for our players to test themselves, pick up new ideas and learn from someone who has worked at a high level within the women’s game. There was plenty of energy on the pitch, with the girls embracing the challenge and making the most of the opportunity to develop their football.
The growth of girls’ football at Prestfelde has been particularly exciting in recent years. Following a pupil-led campaign to create more opportunities for girls to play football, the sport became a permanent part of the girls’ sports curriculum. That commitment has continued to grow, with girls’ teams now regularly competing against schools across the region.
Our U13 Girls’ Football Team has also enjoyed success on the national stage, reaching the last eight of the English Schools’ FA National Cup in 2025 following a dramatic penalty shootout victory in the fourth round.
For our current players, sessions like this are another important step in that journey. Having the chance to work with experienced coaches and female role models from the world of football helps our girls to see where their own sporting ambitions could take them, while developing the confidence and skills they need to keep progressing.
It was also lovely to see Darel back on familiar ground, sharing her experience with the next generation of Prestfelde footballers.
