Grimsby Town Football Club is pleased to announce that Ben Challen has been named as Head Coach of the Women’s First Team.

Challen took charge as interim head coach at the end of June and has led the team during pre-season before taking on the role permanently ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Challen is also the lead of the girls’ Emerging Talent Centre which was launched in January this year as part of the Foundation’s bid to support the continued development of women’s football in the region.

Challen’s coaching background is centred around player development, and he has coached at Cardiff City Academy, Scunthorpe United Academy and Grimsby Town Academy.

On taking on the role as Head Coach, Challen said, “I am delighted to be announced as the new women’s team head coach”

“I think we’re in a great position to start the season after lots of hard work in pre-season and we have started to see some good principles of play built upon. I am looking forward to working alongside a talented squad and am hopeful for a successful season.

“We’re encouraged with the standards that players have set for each other, and the levels at training”

On appointing Challen as our new Head Coach, club CEO Polly Bancroft said, “We’re really pleased that Ben has joined us as Head Coach for the Women’s First Team. He brings good coaching experience and a passion for player development to the role.

“The women’s team are an integral part of the Club and we’ve been working hard to increase our support this summer. We’ve enhanced their training and playing facilities, appointed new staff and are providing transport to away matches.

“We’re looking forward to supporting Ben, Brian and the team to climb through the leagues.”

Welcome onboard, Ben!