In recent times, Leyton Orient announced that significant investment has been made into their Women’s team to help drive their climb up the football pyramid.
The current team was formed in 2021, beginning their journey to triumph for the 2021/22 season. In their first two seasons as a team, the O’s got themselves off to a flying start achieving 2 promotions to earn their spot in the Premier Division within Tier 7.
The investment has been put into the club through McCaffrey Football Group, a newly formed women’s sport firm which was founded by James McCaffrey. At the moment, the O’s compete in the 7th tier of Women’s Football and the aim of the investment is to rise and reach the third tier.
James McCaffery is not only a senior partner and Head of Europe for Eastdil Secured, who are Leyton Orient's front-of-shirt sponsor, but also an ex-professional basketballer for Boston Celtics and Phoenix Suns.
His daughter, Stephanie McCaffery, recently moved to London in hopes to expand and grow her hospitality brand from Los Angeles, Pickle Pop. Previously having played professional football in the NWSL for Boston Breakers and Chicago Red Stars, Stephanie made six appearances for the United States Women’s National Team and netted one goal.
Despite retiring in 2018, Stephanie joins the Leyton Orient team for the season currently underway with her recent relocation to the area. Making her debut against Oakland Wolves in the FA Cup Qualifying rounds, the forward contributed to eight out of eleven goals scored by Orient aswell as the O’s only goal in the form of a penalty in their 3-1 loss to Hutton which knocked them out of the competition.
Despite not being far into the season, McCaffery has proved to be a positive asset to the team as a prolific goal scorer but also a spark within the squad who creates crucial moments of play. Despite the team yet to claim a point in the league, her quality of play is more than evident in her recent performances.
Nigel Travis, Chairman of Leyton Orient Football Club, stated: “This new investment represents a significant step forward for our women’s team and I am excited to see how the next few years will unfold. We have always said Women’s football was important for the future of Leyton Orient and we are delighted with this progressive step.
“We are confident the McCaffery Football Group has what it takes to progress our women’s team and we trust decisions will be made that are in the best interests of Leyton Orient”
A few elements involved with the new agreement between Leyton Orient and The McCaffrey Football Group, LOFC Women will host five fixtures per season at the Gaughan Group Stadium, more commonly known as Brisbane Road, with the amount increasing by one game every year. And the McCaffrey Football Group aim to take on a new calibre of player, as well as the aim of growing The O’s brand through the increased game time in the E10 ground.
Stephanie McCaffrey said: “I’m really proud to be a part of Leyton Orient’s women’s team. The club as a whole has achieved so much in recent years, and I hope to give this amazing community a team they show up for and are proud of.
“We want to get to tier three, which is the tier just below the Women’s Super League and Championship, as quickly as we can, and we want more O’s fans and the wider Leyton Orient community to be supporting the women’s team. I’ve had the privilege of playing professional women’s football in the past, but there has never been a more exciting time in women’s sport than at present. The Orient have fantastic heritage, and this is a great opportunity to work in a community-led club to build the women’s programme.
“WSL teams are selling out their main stadiums for women’s football matches. With the top tier heritage and East London location of Leyton Orient, there’s a clear path to our women’s team here achieving the same.
“My family has grown to love this club over the last few years, and I feel so passionate about now having the opportunity to make a difference in this East London community and on the field with the women’s team.
“C’mon you O’s!”
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