26/27 Preview: Manchester Vixens Flexi: A Fresh Start in Division 7

Last season saw us compete in Division 6 of the Manchester Women’s FlexiLeague, and we got off to a really strong start. The team found its feet quickly and there were plenty of signs that we could have a really positive season.

As the season went on, though, things became more difficult.

While some of our opponents continued to improve and develop, our own progress began to plateau. We found ourselves facing stronger and more settled teams in the latter part of the season, and results became harder to come by.

It was a frustrating end to a season that had started with so much promise, but it also gave us plenty to learn from.

And perhaps that's exactly why Division 7 feels like the fresh start we needed.

This season brings a new squad, with a mixture of new faces and some familiar Vixens returning. That gives us the opportunity to build something together from the beginning rather than trying to find our rhythm halfway through the season.

We’ll also be facing a whole host of new opponents, which makes the season even more exciting. There are no old results to worry about and no assumptions about what we're up against – every team will be a new challenge.

The big test for us will be making sure we keep improving throughout the season.

We know how quickly things can change in football. A team can start strongly, but the challenge is to keep developing, keep learning and keep pushing each other when the games get tougher. This year, we want to make sure we're still improving at the end of the season, not just at the beginning.

We're not putting huge pressure on ourselves or making bold predictions. Instead, we're looking forward to building team chemistry, developing our football and seeing where this group can take us. Most importantly, we want to enjoy our football.

The Flexi team is all about giving women the opportunity to play, meet new people, improve their confidence and enjoy being part of the Vixens family.

New squad. New opponents. New division. Fresh start.