18 June 2026
The Off-Season activity takes off...
So here we are. A new coach and a new season on the way. Our thanks to the club and to Jody Buckley for releasing his opening video as he launches into the manic preparations to try and hit the ground running in our first season in Tier Six. As first impressions and introductions go, this is impressive stuff.
If you don't have the required Orient website or X channel accounts, you can view Jody's interview on YouTube
News snippets
Some bits and pieces we've picked here in LOFCwomen.com towers. In no particular order....
- We will be playing in the Eastern Region Women's Football League - Division One (South).
- The coaching staff will all be new to us but have been part of Jody's crew for some time.
- The women's trial day set for 30th June has been heavily subscribed with players applying from all quarters and from many different levels.
- We will continue to use Cheshunt as our home ground but with selected matches to be played at Brisbane Road.
- Hashtag Reserves will be playing in our league despite winning it last season, 2nd teams are not allowed to play less than two divisions below their first team.
- It is likely that multi-team clubs will dual register some players in order to use first teamers in the reserves - and vice versa.
- We have no news of how many (if any) of last year's team will look to stay, move to Actonians, quit, go elsewhere.... If you know, do tell!
A collection of views from the top.
As shared recently in the club's main website, here's the latest news from the top people...
Leyton Orient can confirm that Jody Buckley is to take over from Jason Stephens as women's first-team manager.
Buckley’s coaching career has spanned close to two decades, working in both senior and youth development football, across the male and female games.
The O’s recently concluded a record-breaking league campaign, winning every match in the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division to secure promotion to the sixth tier. They also lifted two cups; the JGMT and Capital Women’s Cup (Intermediate). Although leaving his managerial post, Stephens will continue in his role as CEO of Leyton Orient FC Women, working in close proximity with Buckley to ensure the continued on-field success of the women’s team.
Leyton Orient CEO Mark Devlin said: “We have enjoyed working with the McCaffrey Football Investment Group across our men’s and women’s sides over the last few years and are looking forward to that continuing. We understand their wishes to expand in the women’s game but are pleased that they also remain committed to Leyton Orient.
“I’d like to welcome Jody to the club as the women’s team’s new manager. He is joining our women’s team at a great time and hopefully he can build on the incredible success that was achieved last season.”
Leyton Orient is also excited to continue its partnership with McCaffrey Football Investment Group (MFIG). MFIG have recently expanded its commitment to the growth of women’s football through a new investment in Actonians Women’s Football Club.
Gina McCaffrey at McCaffrey Football Investment Group said: "Since partnering, Leyton Orient and MFIG have demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting clubs on and off the pitch - helping provide players with greater access to health, wellness, player safety, insurance and the professional standards they deserve. This partnership will continue under the new management structure of Jody on the pitch, and Jason off the pitch.
"We are excited to see Jody, Jason, Leyton Orient and MFIG take this next step. This continued investment into the women’s game will create more opportunities, resources and pathways for players across the football pyramid.
"Leyton Orient FC Women remain an important part of MFIG’s vision for the future and we look forward to continuing our work together under the leadership of MFIG CEO Jason Stephens, as we build on the progress already made at the club."
The O’s recently concluded a record-breaking league campaign, winning every match in the Greater London Women’s Football League Premier Division to secure promotion to the sixth tier. They also lifted two cups; the JGMT and Capital Women’s Cup (Intermediate). Although leaving his managerial post, Stephens will continue in his role as CEO of Leyton Orient FC Women, working in close proximity with Buckley to ensure the continued on-field success of the women’s team.
Leyton Orient CEO Mark Devlin said: “We have enjoyed working with the McCaffrey Football Investment Group across our men’s and women’s sides over the last few years and are looking forward to that continuing. We understand their wishes to expand in the women’s game but are pleased that they also remain committed to Leyton Orient.
“I’d like to welcome Jody to the club as the women’s team’s new manager. He is joining our women’s team at a great time and hopefully he can build on the incredible success that was achieved last season.”
Leyton Orient is also excited to continue its partnership with McCaffrey Football Investment Group (MFIG). MFIG have recently expanded its commitment to the growth of women’s football through a new investment in Actonians Women’s Football Club.
Gina McCaffrey at McCaffrey Football Investment Group said: "Since partnering, Leyton Orient and MFIG have demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting clubs on and off the pitch - helping provide players with greater access to health, wellness, player safety, insurance and the professional standards they deserve. This partnership will continue under the new management structure of Jody on the pitch, and Jason off the pitch.
"We are excited to see Jody, Jason, Leyton Orient and MFIG take this next step. This continued investment into the women’s game will create more opportunities, resources and pathways for players across the football pyramid.
"Leyton Orient FC Women remain an important part of MFIG’s vision for the future and we look forward to continuing our work together under the leadership of MFIG CEO Jason Stephens, as we build on the progress already made at the club."