In a historic first for the football club, Swindon Town’s County Ground will host a men’s and women’s fixture in the same day as they take to the field in a league and cup double-header this month.
Scott Lindsey’s charges will face Hartlepool United at SN1 in EFL Sky Bet League Two at 3pm on Saturday 22 October, with the tie closely followed by our women’s FA Cup Third Qualifying Round clash with Paulton Rovers at 5.45pm.
The occasion will not only look to bring the local community together to enjoy two competitive games of football, but also recognise another giant step for our women’s team following their integration into day-to-day operations within the club.
The move also strengthens our ambitions to make Swindon the destination for the women’s game in the region, inspiring girls of all ages to take up the sport.
Swindon Town Women’s Director of Football, Tom Hartley, said: “This double-header creates a fantastic opportunity for Swindon fans to get behind both the men and women’s teams on the same day, offering a unique family atmosphere.
“We’ll also be attempting to eclipse the highest attendance for a Swindon Town Women’s fixture as well as the current record for a Vitality Women’s FA Cup tie at this stage of the competition, with the winners going into the draw for the First Round Proper.”
Although this will be the first time in the football club’s history two games will take place in the same day at The County Ground, Swindon Town Women have played at the stadium before.
They took on Poole Town back in September 2019 in the FA Women’s National League South West, beating the visitors 4-3 in front of 336 supporters – their highest attendance to date.
Women’s Head Coach, James Lally, said: “We’re delighted to be playing this important FA Cup tie at the home of Swindon Town.
“The support of the fans will highlight the ‘one-club’ mentality we are striving towards here and will mark a huge occasion for our players.”
The football club’s Chief Executive, Rob Angus, added: “We are delighted to generate this opportunity for our women’s team to play at The County Ground, creating a bumper afternoon of football for everyone here in Wiltshire.
“This game will be the first of many hosted at the stadium and Foundation Park for our women, and we want to do everything we can to make it a huge success.
“We encourage as many of you as possible to join us on the day and cheer the girls onto victory, and thank you all for your continued support.”
Fans purchasing tickets for the Hartlepool game will automatically receive free admission to the women’s match that follows.
In addition, girls aged 16 and under can attend the men’s game for free if accompanied by a paying adult (maximum of two attendees per ticket).
For those coming solely to the women’s fixture, we’re offering free admission, although voluntary donations which will go towards supporting the team are welcome.
Those staying on to watch the second game of the afternoon will be will be asked to make their way from their seats to the Arkells Stand in time for kick off at 5.45pm.
For more information on Swindon Town WFC, visit their official website at www.swindontownwomen.wordpress.com, follow them via @swindontownwfc or email admin@swindontownwfc.co.uk.
