Romford Women relishing start of Essex League campaign

Bowers & Pitsea provide the opposition in an Essex Women’s League Premier Division fixture at Romford’s home ground at Noak Hill Sports Centre, with kick-off at 2pm.

And it gives Romford an early opportunity to avenge a defeat at the hands of the same opposition in a pre-season friendly.

“I expect there will be a reaction from the group, who can’t wait to get out on the pitch again,” said Romford manager Jason Murray.

Murray has built a strong squad with a mix of players he has worked with in the past and trialists who have impressed in pre-season games.

And the club is hoping the interest generated by England’s recent run to the World Cup Final will encourage local football fans to come along and watch live women’s football.

“We are looking to generate new support locally, for what is now the highest ranked women’s team in the area”, said Murray.

“Playing our home games in the borough is certainly a key point. This will give us a great opportunity to engage with locals. Extra support creates a better atmosphere and will certainly spur us on to even greater heights”

As well as the women’s first team, Romford is also running girls’ teams at under-13 and under-16 levels, providing a realistic prospect of progressing through the ranks to the senior team.

“Any revenue we could create will, in turn, help the whole of the female pathway grow and provide more opportunities for young girls to play and develop”, said Murray.

Club chairman Steve Gardener shares Murray’s enthusiasm for the opportunities presented by the new developments at the club.

“These are exciting times at Romford with the addition of a women’s team as well as girls’ and boys’ youth sections,” he said.

“The aim is to create a pathway for boys and girls up to first-team football. We want to see our women’s team do well and push on to higher leagues.

“Our supporters have already watched the women’s pre-season games and our other teams and there is keen interest to support the whole club.”