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Having racked up over 550 appearances as a player for Motherwell, Steven Hammell is now charged with overseeing the next influx of young talent making their way in the professional game at the club.

The academy director speaks about this year’s new intake, what they will learn and the pathway for youngsters to first team football.

Motherwell have signed centre-back Claire Crosbie.

The veteran defender has turned out for Celtic and had multiple spells with Spartans in her career which spans more than 12 years.

“Claire is a vastly experienced centre half who we worked hard behind the scenes to bring to Motherwell,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“She has played at the top level and can use that experience to help push us on this season.

“She will bring so much to this team and is another big signing for the club.”

Crosbie made her debut back in 2009 and will be looking to use all her knowledge in the game to push on her teammates this season.

“I’m really excited and looking forward to a new challenge under Paul and Leanne,” the player added.

“It’s a real honour to be part of something special and I can’t wait to use my experience to help us achieve a successful season this year.”

Motherwell FC and Motherwell Community Trust have become the latest Lanarkshire organisations to join the new Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) scheme.

With the support of NHS Lanarkshire, they will help to promote, support and protect the rights of mothers who want to breastfeed in public places.

The BFS scheme is being rolled out nationally by the Scottish Government. It will replace, and build on the success of, NHS Lanarkshire’s former breastfeeding welcome initiative.

Lanarkshire currently reports some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Scotland. Around half (50.3%) of mothers breastfeed at birth, dropping to less than one in three (30.4%) after 6-8 weeks.

A contributing factor can be that women feel inhibited to breastfeed outside the home, especially new mothers whose babies were born during lockdown, who might not be confident feeding while out and about.

In Scotland, babies are protected by law to be fed anywhere, and it is an offence to prevent a baby being fed in a public place.

Wherever families see the Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland logo and signage, they know that staff are aware of their obligation under the law, and they can be assured of an extra warm welcome. Membership of the scheme demonstrates a business understands and accommodates the needs of breastfeeding families.

AnneMarie Bruce, Infant Feeding Development Midwife at NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The NHS encourages responsive parenting and feeding, so our primary focus is to ensure that mothers and babies have the support they need, regardless of how they feed.

“UNICEF Babyfriendly found that 80% of women stopped breastfeeding before they wanted to. In Lanarkshire, our breastfeeding rates are currently below the national average and we want to normalise breastfeeding and create a supportive culture. We hope that by promoting safe environments for breastfeeding outside the home through the BFS Scheme, more women will feel comfortable and will continue to breastfeed for as long as they want.”

Dawn Middleton, general manager of the Motherwell FC Community Trust, added: “The Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland Scheme is an important initiative and we hope that more organisations sign up to support women in feeling comfortable when breastfeeding in the community.

“As a club with a largely male audience, we hope that our involvement in this initiative will encourage men to be supportive of their breastfeeding partners, family members, and friends, and to help foster a supportive environment in general when in public spaces.”

Businesses interested in joining the BFS Scheme can receive more information by contacting BreastfeedingFriendlyScotlandLanarkshire@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk.

Motherwell have secured the signature of Kodie Hay for another season.

The midfielder played a huge part in our season last time out and will add to the team’s attacking threat.

“I am delighted Kodie has committed herself to the club for another season,” head coach Paul Brownlie said.

“Kodie provides a real attacking threat with real energy and quality on the ball that can cause teams problems.

“I’m looking forward to working with her this season.”

Motherwell have signed experienced centre back Jo Addie.

Most recently playing for Glasgow Girls, Addie will put on the claret and amber and fight for her position in Paul Brownlie’s starting side.

“Jo is yet another great addition to the squad,” head coach Paul Brownlie said. “She will bring real experience and quality to the squad.

“Her attitude in training thus far has been different class and it’s clear she’s integrating well within the squad.

“She’s a real winner and that’s why she’s here.”

Addie has turned out for Glasgow Girls and Partick Thistle most recently and will be looking to make her mark in the top flight once again.

“It’s an honour to be given the opportunity to pull on the Motherwell jersey,” she added.

“I’m looking forward to working under Paul and Leanne.

“I’m excited for the challenge that lies ahead and I can’t wait to get started.”

When it comes to Suicide Prevention, we are again wearing their heart on our sleeves in support of a crucial life-saving campaign.

Suicide Prevention North Lanarkshire branding will again be on the first team players’ sleeves throughout the 2021/22 season.

We’re are working in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council to help tackle suicide in local communities and will also be displaying helpline information around Fir Park.

Almost one person every week dies by suicide in North Lanarkshire and Motherwell FC is pledging its support to help raise awareness of this issue.

“We are delighted Motherwell FC are continuing to support our campaign to prevent the tragedy of suicide in our communities,” Paul Kelly, depute leader of North Lanarkshire Council said.

“The club have been outstanding ambassadors for suicide prevention and it will be great to see the logo appearing on the players’ shirts again this coming season.

“This is a great example of partnership working with the goal of helping those most in need in our communities.

“The Covid-19 health pandemic has been really difficult for so many people and it is vital that those who are suffering know that there is another way. There is help available.

“‘Let’s Talk’ is the message we want to get across as we try to encourage people to talk more openly about suicide so we can all work together to help prevent it. The emotional impact on families, friends and communities bereaved by suicide is devastating and can have an awful, long-lasting effect on those left behind.

“Starting the conversation is so important and can make such a difference. As a council, we are grateful to everyone associated with Motherwell FC for supporting this campaign. This partnership through football will have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing in our communities.”

Suzanne Reid, head of commercial and marketing at Motherwell FC added: “It is important to us as a club, and a central part of this community, to continue our support for this initiative more than ever.

“Suicide affects so many families in this area and has had a direct impact on young supporters’ families in recent months. We want everyone to know that support is out there, and the first step towards it is to talk to someone.”

For more information go to northlanarkshire.gov.uk/safer or call 0800 073 0918.

Motherwell will face Dundee in the second round of the Premier Sports Cup.

The last 16 tie will be played at Dens Park on the weekend of 14/15 August 2021.

The Steelmen progressed top of their group on Saturday, with a 2-0 home win over Annan Athletic securing their spot but putting Graham Alexander’s men in the pot as an unseeded team.

The date and kick-off time will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Motherwell got important minutes ahead of the upcoming season against SWPL1 champions Glasgow City.

A double from Lauren Davidson and Priscila Chincilla and further finishes from Clare Shine and Taylor Fisher gave City the victory in the match.

It was Motherwell who started the better in the first half, with Holly Napier picking up the ball before firing a strike on target.

However, just after 10 minutes on the clock, Glasgow City broke the deadlock. Shine drove through on goal before finishing past Ramsey in the Motherwell net.

Glasgow City doubled their advantage two minutes later when Davidson picked up the ball after a slack pass in the Motherwell midfield before neatly placing the ball in the corner.

The champions made it 3-0 on the stroke of half time, Davidson unmarked at the back post blasted the ball into the net to get her brace.

City added to their advantage at the start of the second half. A long ball forward found Chinchilla, Ramsey came rushing out and made the tackle but the ball took an awkward bounce into her net.

Chinchilla grabbed a brace straight after as she rounded the goalkeeper.

Glasgow City made it six when Fisher finished from close range, and she also added her second sooner after.

Motherwell continue their pre-season when they face Kilmarnock on Wednesday night.

“That was the exact response we were looking for.”

Graham Alexander speaks as Motherwell progress to the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup with victory over Annan Athletic.

Motherwell secured progression to the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup with victory over Annan Athletic.

A debut goal from Justin Amaluzor and a strike early in the second half from Barry Maguire secured a 2-0 win.

Liam Kelly’s penalty save late on also proved invaluable to stop the League Two side from getting a foot back in the match.

Motherwell controlled the bulk of the game, but took time to grow into the game and carve out chances.

Kevin van Veen had a host of first-half opportunities, seeing two well saved by Greg Fleming.

At the other end, a low ball across the face of goal presented a golden opportunity, but ‘Well were relieved to see it go right through untouched.

Then the breakthrough came with six minutes left in the half.

Carroll got down the left and fed Woolery, who turned and flashed the ball across the face.

The ball was behind Van Veen but he did enough to ensure it ended up in the path of Amaluzor, who stayed cool to fire in a goal on his debut.

Better would come for Motherwell early in the second half.

Van Veen was again at the heart of things, receiving the ball on the left of the six-yard box.

He steered the ball backwards into the path of the onrushing Maguire, who took the chance to fire low and hard into the net.

Callum Slattery made his home debut as time wore down but the game wasn’t done there.

Carroll was adjuged to pull down his man in the box, giving Annan a route back into the game from the spot.

Moxon stepped up but Kelly acrobatically guessed correctly to turn the penalty away.