Burgess Hill Town Women looking forward to West Ham clash

Hill’s Women’s Director of Football Tony McDonald is billing the visit of the Hammers in the Ryman Women’s Cup as the biggest in the women’s sections Club history.

The Hammers, who play in the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division, the same league as Tottenham Hotspurs, QPR and Brighton & Hove Albion Women’s side.

The Ryman Women’s challenge cup pitches the developing section against the established women’s teams from other, and in the case of West Ham ladies, higher leagues. Outside of the Women’s FA Cup it is a prestigious tournament that fittingly showcases the strength and organisation of the Isthmian League that having moved its development through Youth football will hopefully now drive women’s football to the next level.

The match is sponsored by IGS Logistics whilst the women’s section main sponsor, Mishon & Mackay, are the match ball sponsors.

McDonald said “Of course the players from Burgess Hill Town are motivated to show how their game has progressed in their short period together and whilst respectful to their more established opponents will not be overawed with the occasion even though it is by far the biggest occasion in their history.”

“It’s great occasion for the women’s section and a showcase for the future of women’s football in Burgess Hill Town.”

Burgess Hill Town Ladies is in its second spell at the Green Elephants Stadium. Having won the County League first time around McDonald has returned with a predominately youthful set up however with also some experience scattered to help the youth develop.

With two squads the Woman’s section has attained its FA charter status and is working with the FA and the senior club to create the building blocks for progression. The emphasis is on developing a sound FA coaching structure in each squad to enable the youngsters to progress.

The women’s section enjoys parity with the men’s club and supports and engages in the club fully and that support has enabled the women to progress on the pitch and attract more players to the excellent facilities at the Green Elephant stadium.

The sections development squad has a significant intake from the junior club that shares its facilities at Leylands Park, Southdown. It is therefore fitting that the games mascots are from the Southdown Girls Under 10s. This will hopefully inspire these youngsters to drive through the age groups. Southdown have 4 girls’ teams, and will one day hopefully play their football at the Green Elephants Stadium.

Burgess Hill Town FC Chairman Kevin Newell added “Women’s football has really caught the public’s imagination since the terrific efforts of the England team at the World Cup earlier this year. At Burgess Hill we have had a women’s team for some years and I am delighted that the forthcoming match v West Ham Ladies will give them the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a wider audience.”

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