Sporting JAX’s new women’s professional soccer team took the field for the first time this week at Episcopal High School’s Knights Campus, launching their inaugural training camp in preparation for a historic first season in the Gainbridge Super League.
With preseason matches set for August 2 and 10 against international opponents Hibernian FC Women (Scotland) and Wrexham AFC Women (Wales), the squad hit the ground running under the direction of Head Coach Stacey Balaam and assistant coaches Alan Kirkup and Mat Cosgriff. Despite the searing Florida heat — with morning sessions regularly topping 90 degrees — the energy and commitment from players were undeniable as they began building team chemistry and setting standards for the season ahead.
“I’m still getting used to the heat,” forward Jade Pennock shared. “Back home in England, the summer was surprisingly hot, but not as hot as this.”
Pennock may lack experience with the temperature, but there’s certainly no lack of experience on the pitch. The 32-year-old has played professionally in England and Australia, most recently with the Central Coast Mariners of the Ninja A-League.
“I’ve been lucky that I’ve played with some good teams in different countries, so I’m hoping that I can bring my experience here and help the younger players, whether that’s in training or in a game,” Pennock said.
With such a young team, utilizing every bit of experience will be vital to building a winner. The responsibility doesn’t fall entirely on these older players, something that the team’s head coach alluded to.
“You look for others to step up too that you don’t expect,” Balaam said. “That’s really important as well, which we’re starting to see.”
The week kicked off with player physicals provided by Ascension St. Vincent’s, the club’s Founding and Official Healthcare Partner. The medical evaluations ensured that every athlete was cleared and ready to take on the demanding preseason schedule. Following physicals, Head of Performance Steve Fell and his performance staff led comprehensive fitness testing to assess individual readiness and tailor development plans.
Sessions were strategically planned and monitored by the club’s analytics team, who used performance data to guide workload, track metrics, and optimize player development. Players were introduced to Sporting JAX’s training methodology, core values, and expectations during team orientation and introductory meetings led by Head of Soccer Mark Warburton, Coach Balaam, and her staff.
Coach Balaam praised the players for their professionalism and passion, noting that the foundations laid this week were encouraging.
“This first week has been extremely positive,” Balaam said. “The players have come in with a great mindset, and they’re already starting to gel as a unit. The staff have done a fantastic job setting the tone, and we’re excited to keep building toward our first matches. Facing clubs like Hibernian and Wrexham will be a tremendous test and a great opportunity to show what this team is all about.”
As Sporting JAX continues its march toward opening night, the focus remains on growth, connection, and preparing to make history as the First Coast’s first-ever women’s professional soccer team.
