Rallying cry to fans from Rotherham United Women coach and captain ahead of season opener this weekend

Pete Jarvis’s side kick off their league campaign on Sunday at home to Grimsby Town at Roundwood in Rawmarsh, also home of Parkgate FC. 

Captain Lori-Anne Tart said she hoped the Lionesses’ successes Down Under had helped raise interest in women’s football, and the club has already received inquiries from fans interested in attending games.

The skipper said it would be great to see a boost in her own side’s attendances over the coming season, starting with the Grimsby game at 2pm on Sunday.

The Millers were edged out 3-2 in their final pre-season game at Barnsley FC Ladies on Sunday but hopes are high of a strong showing when the serious business gets underway.

The free-scoring female Millers, who have scored 16 goals in their five pre-season friendlies, have a packed programme of league and cup fixtures ahead, with a trip to Chesterfield to follow next Sunday.

First-team coach Ryan Hartle (above) said they would treat newly-promoted Grimsby with the same respect as any side.

“We treat every opposition the same and every fixture the same and with the aim of getting three points,” he said.

“I am excited to start the season, as all the coaches are, because we’re doing something different this season.

“All the players have bought into it and we’ve become a real possession-based side.”

Hartle urged fans to come down to Roundwood and show their support, adding: “It’s a local side with all local players playing good looking football. 

“It's not direct football but possession-based football like you’ve seen in the Women’s World Cup in the WSL - we play that style of football, so it's exciting.”

Admission for all the club’s home games is £3 for adults, £2 for concessions and free for under-16s. 

Season tickets allowing admission to all games can also be purchased at home matches.