Latest 7 No.956

STAND WITH US WOMEN’S FOOTBALL IS INCREASING IN POPULARITY – JOHN MURPHY FROM SALTDEAN UNITED WOMEN COMMUNICATIONS TELLS US HOW SALTDEAN UNITED WOMEN FC IS A GROWING FORCE IN THE GAME

For most people in England women’s football is a new phenomenon inspired by the exploits of the English women’s senior team in the last two World Cups. For others, like the ladies of Saltdean United Women FC it is part of their daily lives.

“Football should be a community sport and that is what it is in Saltdean. So why not come and be part of the Saltdean Women FC family”

Saltdean Ladies, also known as the ‘Tigers’ are a newly established side who were created in 2017/18. They are connected to Saltdean FC, play in Hill Park in Saltdean and train in BACA. It was the first time in the club’s history that they had a ladies’ team and the club are now looking to progress and build a youth team for the girls’ section. After recruiting many local players, the ladies competed in the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League (SCWGFL) in the 17/18 season where they finished in second position behind local neighbours, Newhaven Ladies. Saltdean Ladies gained promotion to the South East Counties Women’s League – Premier in 2018 and had a very successful year. They gained promotion yet again to step 5 in the women's pyramid but also lifted the League Cup trophy after beating Ashford 2-1 in the final. In the Summer of 2019, the club decided to change their name to Saltdean United Women FC in a statement to make a clear signal of togetherness and unity at the club but also keeping with modern day thinking on equality. The Tigers are now competing in the London and South East Premier against teams such as Queens Park Rangers Development and Fulham Fc. This was a big step up for the team and the team are currently 8th in the league. Injuries played a big part in some poor results with a lack of squad depth hurting the team. Since Christmas however, there has been a change in mood and results. The Tigers with a couple of new signings in the January transfer window are finally playing the football they are capable of. The team finally understands that they are where they are supposed to be and each one of them should be proud of the work and commitment they have shown and now is the time to step up and push on to the next level that they are all capable of reaching. Now is the time to be ambitious. The short-term aim for the club is to stay up this year and then next year, the aim is very simple, promotion to the national league. This will only be possible with the support of the people of Brighton and if you are a member of this club and community when that happens it will be something special.

Football should be a community sport and that is what it is in Saltdean. So why not come and be part of the Saltdean Women FC family, become a tiger and roar us on in Hill Park, in Saltdean, on Sunday 1st March at 2pm when the girls take on Dulwich Hamlet. Take the first step and stand with us.