Swindon Town Women have officially joined forces with Swindon Town Football Club in a move that will see them become an important and sustainable part of the Robins footballing family.
The move will have an immediate and positive impact on the operations and profile of the women’s team, with them set to play regularly at Foundation Park and several competitive matches at the County Ground.
It’s the club’s ambition that Swindon Town WFC will become the destination for the women’s game in the region, inspiring every girl to take up the sport and driving performance to progress through the leagues.
The club will also look to grow the fanbase as well as generate new sponsorship opportunities and funding to transform the women’s game in Wiltshire, propelling the team to future success both on and off the pitch.
Swindon Town WFC, formerly Swindon Town Ladies, was founded back in 1993, joining the fourth division of the Southern Regional League.
During their 29-years in existence, the club has competed across the South West regional pyramid, and the Southern Premier Division since 2016.
From the beginning of the 2018/19 campaign, they played in Division One South West – the fourth tier of the Women’s National League.
The side, managed by James Lally, has always been affiliated with the senior men’s side, but run as an independent entity.
Following confirmation of the move, Swindon Town Owner, Clem Morfuni, said: “By joining forces and working closely together, Swindon Town WFC will have a solid foundation to build for the future.
“With the growth of the female game globally, Swindon Town Women have the chance to become a leading-light for women’s football in the region.
“The backing of the men’s team and an aligned approach to club leadership will provide new resources to the women’s team and offer a platform for growth and success for the team on and off the pitch.
Swindon Town Chief Executive, Rob Angus, commented: “There has never been a better time to get behind and support women’s football.
“It’s incredibly valuable for any progressive, forward-thinking club to support their women’s team, and this move demonstrates a sustainable and well-placed backing.
Swindon Town WFC Chairman, Martin Wheeler, said: “This move is something we’ve been striving towards for many years, so we’re absolutely delighted the football club has committed to the growth and development of women’s football in the town.
“Both Clem and Rob have been instrumental in getting this move across the line, and their passion for developing the women’s game shines through.
“By working together. It sends a clear and powerful message to the coaches and players at the club.
“For the first time, we have an opportunity to break down the barriers for the best female footballing talent in the region to come and play for us, as well as nurturing our player pathway from our development and under-18 squads.”
Swindon Town WFC Director of Football, Tom Hartley, said: “Working in a united and aligned way across the football club is game-changing for the women’s game here.
“It provides a platform for our teams to lead the way in women’s football in the region, and the future looks incredibly bright.”
We hope all of you, as dedicated and passionate Swindon Town fans, are excited by these developments, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in supporting our women’s team.
From following them on social media via @SwindonTownWFC, to attending games, your backing will always be welcomed, and we can’t wait to see you cheering on the team at our home venues at Fairford Town FC, Foundation Park and The County Ground as we embark on a new era for the club.
If you’re interested in finding out more about sponsorship or other ways to support our women’s team, simply email admin@swindontownwfc.co.uk.
