Romford Women excited for debut Essex League campaign

With the recent successes of England’s Lionesses creating a wave of interest in the women’s game, there has never been a better time to be a female footballer.

Ahead of their inaugural season in the Essex Women’s League Premier Division, Romford’s newly formed women’s team are determined to make their mark with a successful debut campaign.

Manager Jason Murray has spent the summer assembling an exciting squad, many of whom have followed him from the successful Forest Crusaders team of last season and he has his sights set on promotion at the first attempt.

“That’s certainly the aim, and as tough a task as it unquestionably is, we are focused on getting one of those promotion spots,” said Murray.

Fans of the club have given the team a warm welcome and have already affectionately christened them the ‘Boro Belles’.

“It’s fantastic. We’ve received such great support from the fans with several coming over to watch the games, and lots of interest in the whole pathway we have set up for our female players. The reception we’ve received has been fantastic” added Murray.

Pre-season has been promising, with the exciting attacking trio of Georgia Maxwell-Jones, Clare Huggins and Sammi Kuski all among in the goals, while skipper Alice Sharpe and midfielder Dom Pavloska add some much needed experience to a young side.

The Belles have even been featured on BBC Radio 5Live and the BBC News Channel as part of the World Cup boom.

And Murray is excited about the potential arrival of players from the Romford pathway.

“Our under-16 side will play in the top league in Essex and are filled with high-class players who we believe will make the step up to first-team level in the next couple of seasons. And behind them are an excellent under-13 team who also look highly promising,” he added.

“Our aim now is to open our Wildcats centre as soon as possible and ensure all those young girls inspired by the Lionesses have an opportunity to be part of this wonderful club and get the opportunity to learn the game in an environment designed to make it as enjoyable as possible for them, while also presenting them with a clear pathway through to senior football.

“We’re determined to become the biggest provider of girls football in Havering”.

The Belles will be playing their home games at Noak Hill on Sunday afternoons – starting against Bowers & Pitsea Reserves on September 10 (2pm) – and Murray hopes that the local community will come out and support them.

“That would be great. For anyone interested in the women’s game we’d love to invite them over to Noak Hill and let them see the way the game is taking off here in Romford,” he said.

*If you are interested in Wildcats (5-11 years) contact Chris on 07546 334073 and for any academy players interested of all ages.