It scarcely would have seemed possible when this all began.
When Beth Hepple first represented the club at grassroots level – now well over a decade ago – a full-time contract at the club was far beyond her wildest dreams.
But that’s exactly what Hepple and her teammates were presented with this summer – and it’s an opportunity that isn’t lost on the long-serving midfielder.
“I’m over the moon,” she said.
“Going to a professional model is really exciting – it’s amazing, to think where we were when we first started, it was a million miles away from here.
“I’m really lucky to be part of this team and this club is growing every year.”
The transition to a full-time model has seen a real buzz around Maiden Castle this summer, matched in the quality and effort on display in every training session.
With the squad also bolstered by new signings, Hepple and her teammates are now looking forward to the new Barclays Women’s Championship season.
“The intensity and standard of training that the coaches are demanding of us is the best it’s ever been,” she revealed.
“Hopefully that will show this year.
“We’ve got such a good team. We do every year, but I think we’ve got a bit extra this year.
“We’ve got some new signings too so that can only be positive for us.”
“It’s been quite a long pre-season so everyone has settled in well,” she continued.
“Everyone gets on and there’s been some really good girls and characters added to the group – so and that’s important.
“It’s a fresh start for us this year and we’re ready to go.”
The first game of the season against Sunderland held special significance for the midfielder – who stood on 199 appearances before it began.
And a start against the Black Cats saw Hepple become the first player to hit 200 appearances for the club; a significant landmark that isn’t lost on her.
“It doesn’t seem like two minutes ago that it was my 150th!,” she joked.
“It’s exciting and an honour as well.
“We’re all part of the furniture here now and it’s nice to see a lot of the same faces throughout my time here.
“They’re all really good girls on and off the pitch and friends for life.”
And what better way to mark that milestone than in front of a bumper crowd at Maiden Castle?
Durham’s fans came out in large numbers throughout last year – both at home and away – and Hepple is excited to see them again this term.
“Our fanbase grows year on year, and we have people following us around the country which is crazy to think about.
“We need them every game at Maiden Castle – and I can’t wait to see them all.”
