As one of the longest-serving players in the Bristol Rovers Women squad, defender Layah Douglas has witnessed the transformation of the club first-hand.
From making her senior debut to now entering a new season with greater expectations and belief, Layah has grown alongside the badge she proudly represents - and she’s determined to push even further.
Back in action over the weekend, the 23-year-old joined her teammates as Nathan Hallett-Young’s side began pre-season testing - a demanding start to a campaign filled with ambition.
After securing a fourth-place finish in the National League Division One South West last season, Douglas and her squad return with their sights firmly set on climbing higher in 2025/26.
“The momentum we’ve built from last season is huge,” she says. “That campaign was a stepping stone for the future of this club. Watching it grow from where we started has been incredible.
The ambition here, the work being done behind the scenes, and where we finished last season - it fills us all with confidence heading into this one.”
That ambition, Layah explains, is matched by a fierce team-first mentality. Having risen through the ranks at Rovers, her leadership style is rooted in hard work and unity.
“I’ve learned to stay hungry. Making my senior debut here taught me what it means to work for your place and push your teammates. Everyone has to share the same goal. You put the team first - that’s what this club taught me, and that’s what I try to pass on.”
This year’s squad is bolstered by players with experience at the highest levels of the women’s game, and Layah believes they will only elevate the group further.
“It’s great to have players with league titles and Tier 3 experience - they know how to handle high-pressure moments and play with the weight of the badge. That confidence and experience will lift us. It also promotes healthy competition, which brings out the best in everyone.”
So what is the identity of this new-look squad?
“It’s pride,” she says without hesitation. “We play for the badge. You feel it in every training session. What sets us apart from other clubs is our ambition - every player is here because they want to be part of something bigger. They want to help this club grow.”
Personally, Layah has her sights set on building on last year’s performances and continuing to lead with passion. “On the pitch, I want to improve on where I left off - bring that winning mentality and drive to the team. Off the pitch, I want to keep connecting with the community. We’re growing a brilliant fan base and I want to help that keep building.”
With preseason already underway and a fiercely competitive league ahead, Layah knows the team has to raise its level once again. “The biggest challenge will be the league itself. It’s getting better every year. We have to compete with last year’s version of us - be better, sharper, more consistent. But I believe in this squad. Everyone’s putting in the work.”