16th August 2024
Cheltenham Town Women FC have added another striker to the pack.
22 Year old striker, Jess Leach, joins the Robinesses, subject to international clearance after a spell of football in America, at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.
Talking to Gloucestershire Live, she explained how her experiences in America have shaped her as a player,commenting: “I loved it! It does take time to adapt to playing over there, but it teaches you things about your own game, and it opens your mind to different ways of playing.”
“It was really beneficial for me, and it was a crucial part of my journey to getting where I am now.”
Leach joins the Club ahead of the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier opener, with Cheltenham hosting Plymouth Argyle on Sunday (August 18; 2:00pm kick-off).
The new Robinesses striker has opened up about any potential culture clash upon returning to the UK: “It’s been such an easy transition, the girls and staff have been so welcoming and easy to get along with.
“Everyone’s gelled well, especially given there’s quite a few new faces. We’re getting on well, so I think it’ll transfer over to chemistry on the pitch once we get going on Sunday.”
After the opener against Plymouth, Cheltenham find themselves on the road to Milton Keynes Dons in league action on Sunday August 25, followed by the shorter trip to new FA WNL outfit, Worcester City Women (Thursday, August 29).
With the season just around the corner, Leach, who can also play as a central attacking midfielder, couldn’t hide her excitement to finally get underway.
“We start on Sunday so it’s not long now, all the girls are buzzing and we’re getting ready to put a shift in, and hopefully get the three points,” she said.
Following her time in Florida, during which she won four trophies in her three years at the college, Leach explained she learned a lot that she can now apply to her performances:
“One of the main things we’d say, is find a way to win. It emphasises that you don’t always have to play the best to win the game,” she said.
“It sometimes comes down to grit, adapting to find space to exploit, and never giving up. That’s something I’ll always remember.”
The Robinesses welcome in the 2024/25 FA WNL Southern Premier season by welcoming Plymouth Argyle Women at Kayte Lane (2:00pm kick-off). Buy your tickets here.
For a list of the 2024/25 fixtures, click here.
