Mansfield Town Ladies' captain Monica Bowley has announced her retirement from playing football after 12 years with the club. The 36-year-old made over 200 appearances for the Stags, cementing herself as a vital figure in the local community and playing a significant role in the development of the women's game in Mansfield. In her final season with Mansfield Town Ladies, Monica helped the team to a domestic double, lifting both the County Cup and League Cup in May. Looking back on her footballing career, she said: 'It's been mind-blowing. From my time at Clipstone and then Welbeck Welfare, to coming to Mansfield, it's been a dream.' The much-loved ex-defender went on to laud the drastic changes in the women's game over the course of her playing career. 'I'm almost jealous of the opportunities that girls have on offer now,' she added. 'Now, there are a lot more opportunities for girls to learn a new sport, interact with new people and develop new skills. I hope we can continue pushing boundaries and getting seen.' Away from matchdays, Bowley has continually played a key role in supporting the Mansfield Town Community Trust and West Notts College - helping to develop the women's game from grassroots through to a more advanced level. Recently, her contributions were recognised with the PFA Community Champion Award in both 2025 and 2026 and late last year, she received a Nottinghamshire FA Lioness Award, for 'vital contributions to the growth of women's football in Nottinghamshire.' On her next steps, Monica said: 'I'm not completely sure what's next on the agenda.' 'I will stay around the team, watch the girls, help where needed and continue working with the Community Trust.' Despite retirement, Monica's ties with the club remain. Her husband now coaches the women's youth teams at Stags and her daughter Ruby is also following in her footsteps for the Ladies' under-15s as an up-and-coming central defender. The club would like to thank Monica for her service at Mansfield Town Ladies over the past 12 years and wishes her the very best for the future.