That’s the view of head coach Martin Herdman, who is preparing his side for another big occasion this Sunday against Cambridge United in NR1.
The Canaries have started the league campaign well and have made little secret of their desire to win promotion from Step Four this season, having made significant strides on and off the pitch in the last 18 months.
Herdman’s appointment, becoming the first full-time boss in the women side’s history, is another signal of intent to their progress.
City are hoping the success of the Lionesses in the World Cup, including Norfolk winger Lauren Hemp, will bring supporters to Carrow Road to support Herdman and his side as they try to build on a positive start to the season.
Herdman is confident that he can drive City forward and is optimistic about the future of the game, when occasions like Carrow Road matches may become more frequent.
“Women’s football is only going forwards – that is good news for every club in the country, never mind Norwich,” City’s boss said.
“I know where I want to take it and we have our goals internally. This is going to get better. You follow the models of other clubs and some have gone hybrid to part-time to full time. I’m sure when those opportunities come then we will be ready to take those steps.
“Right now we have to focus game by game and make sure we are doing the right things on the training ground. The way women’s football is growing – hopefully the Championship grows and we begin to mirror the Premier League and Championship in the men’s game.
“When those opportunities come, we will be ready.”
Norwich could return to the summit of the division with a victory over Cambridge should Ashford fail to beat Actonians on Sunday.
City’s side will be hoping the sense of occasion will lead to another important victory as they continue their quest for promotion.
“I can only sense the players are on game five already. It’s been a mindset of ‘how do I make sure I’m in the team for this game?’.
“Training has been hot and they have been on it. Expect some little rotations from me. It’s been a 10-day period when we’ve had three games really quickly.
“There are a couple who have come in and really impressed me. Others I can see are going to hit that level but need a bit more time. I’m hoping this is the game we peak in the big stadium. I’m really excited myself and I know the players are as well.”
Herdman succeeded Shaun Howes this summer and will dovetail his role with Norwich by overseeing the progress of UEA’s women side to help build a strong pathway for young talent in Norfolk.
He knows he has inherited a project but believes the only direction of travel is up for the Canaries.
“It’s in Step Four so you know it’s in a building process. Hopefully, it’s going to move onto something bigger in a few years,” Herdman said.
“When you speak to people and see the integration with the men’s team, you know it’s only going one way. It’s not going to go backwards, only forwards.
“You start to do your research, you get immersed and then fall in love with it quickly. I’m not saying I’m quite yellow and green yet but it’s coming. I can feel it already.”
As part of his introduction to life in Norfolk, Herdman spent a period of time in the company of David Wagner – who offered him some sound advice in advance of the campaign.
The former Newcastle academy coach has encountered an open-door policy around the club since his appointment last month.
“He’s a really nice gentleman. He asked me a lot of questions – he has dogs like me, he has family and he likes coffee like me,” Herdman said.
“It inspired me and it was really nice to talk to him. He’s really down to earth. We had a nice 20-minute chat and he’s invited me to watch training and be around the environment.
“We are both in the heat of battle at the moment. We want to keep trying to emulate the men’s team who are doing really well. I’m hoping to get to my first game soon.”
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