Last year we made a statement, outlining our intentions within Women’s football and what as a club we would strive to do and change locally, one year on it felt good timing to update you all on our progress over the last 12 months.
On the pitch the first team won the Sussex County Premier in their debut season, completing a remarkable comeback from 3-1 down to win 4-3 in the winner takes all match vs Montpelier Villa. In the summer we attracted some important signings for the squad to bolster the ranks from across the county, some players coming down from higher placed teams having faith in our statement and objectives. Promoted to the London & South East Regional Women’s Football League Division One South we are currently in the race for promotion, with it all in our hands, we made the Sussex Women’s Cup semi-final taking eventual winners Brighton & Hove Albion U21’s all the way in an amazing game at The Pilot Field. With it all still to play for in the league the team are focused solely on trying to achieve the second promotion in two years.
We’ve continued to support with same training facilities, kit, pitch, and travel to away games as the Men’s and will continue with that as a bare minimum going forward. We hope to improve our training facilities and options however limited by the local infrastructure, which is an area not in the control of the football club.
We are delighted that our Girls Academy is launched with Under 7, Under 9, Under 10, Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15s all being introduced in year one. We are proud of our female participation and look to continue that growth for the 2022/23 season. A big shout out to our Under 15s who have made it to the Sussex County Cup Semi Final, which will take place on Sunday 27th March.
Whilst one step higher than when we announced the Mission Statement, the pay parity roadmap is still on course and have committed a budget this season and next. We are proud we financially support our players and will continue to do so.
A big thank you to Hastings Adventure Golf and Hastings Design & Print who have been excellent supporters of our Women’s team as lead sponsors.