Hillians ready to showcase progress

Burgess Hill Town Women FC are hosting the Hammers at the Green Elephants Stadium next Wednesday night in a 7.30pm kick off and director of football Tony McDonald reckons his squad can't wait to show how far the club has come since first kicking off in the Premier Division of the South East Counties Woman’s Football League seven years ago.

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

"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, they will not be overawed with the occasion even though it is by far the biggest occasion in their history."

The Hillians are running two squads again this season and playing in their second spell at the Green Elephants Stadium. Having won the county league the first time around, McDonald's side has returned this season with a predominately youthful set-up backed up by some experienced heads.

The Boux Avenue Ryman Women's Cup pitches the women's sides of the Ryman League's clubs against the established sides from other, and in the case of West Ham Ladies, higher leagues.

The Hammers play in the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division, the same league as QPR, Brighton & Hove Albion Women and last season's losing finalists Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, beaten in May at Ware by Charlton Athletic Ladies.

Burgess Hill Town FC chairman Kevin Newell says the women's section enjoys parity with the men's club and hopes next week's tie will help the club attract even more players to the excellent facilities at the Green Elephant Stadium.

Newell said: “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 versus West Ham Ladies will give them the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a wider audience.”

Next week's match is being sponsored by IGS Logistics while the women’s section main sponsor, Mishon & Mackay, are the match ball sponsors. Fittingly, with the Hillians using the facilities at Leylands Park, Southdown Girls U10s are providing the mascots for the match.

A Hillians spokesman added: "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."

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