COLCHESTER United's women’s team is making a welcome return after a ten-year absence.
And the ambitious U's are offering talented female players the chance to represent the club at the highest level possible.
The U's have been without a women's team since 2013, when Colchester United Ladies folded.
But following the success of the Colchester United Community Foundation (CUCF) women’s and girls football pathway launched last year, the team is reforming for the 2023-24 season - with female footballers invited to take part in upcoming open training sessions this summer.
They will start off in the Essex County Women's Football League division two.
CUCF Women and Girls Development Officer Niamh Gamble said: “We are so excited to announce the re-launch of the Colchester United Women’s Team for the 23/24 season.
"Creating a complete and sustainable pathway for all women and girls within our community has been one of my biggest goals throughout my time working for the foundation.
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“We have so many talented young girls within our pathway and I am so pleased that we are now able to provide them with the opportunity to represent Colchester United to the highest level possible.
“The offer that Colchester United Women’s team players will receive is really special and is testament of the ambition and commitment that Colchester United and our sponsors, Workhorse, have shown.”
Colchester United have previously enjoyed success in the women’s game, winning the 2006/7 South East Combination Women's League, clinching promotion to the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division, the second tier of English women's football.
The U’s have also produced players who have gone onto enjoy successful careers in football, playing at the top level, including WSL clubs and England youth teams.
CUCF's girls pathway has been going from strength to strength, with thriving numbers throughout the Wildcats, Girls Development Centre, Emerging Talent Centre and Female College Programme.
READ MORE: U's aiming to add more quality in transfer window
The last piece to the puzzle was reforming the Colchester United Women’s team at the top of the pathway and now it is a reality.
Workhorse Director Simon Dickerson said: “We are proud to support the fantastic work both on and off the pitch of Colchester United, Colchester United Women and the Community Foundation.
"As a group, we understand the need to support, develop and educate when it comes to equality and other such important matters.
💙⚽️ Colchester United are delighted to announce the re-launch of the Women's team, following a ten year absence. #ColU | #WeAreUnited | @ColU_CF
— Colchester United FC (@ColU_Official) June 7, 2023
"We are starting to see change, but we have such a long way to go.
"Together we achieve, together we make a difference, and we are proud to support Colchester United Women and the club on this journey.”
Colchester United Women are holding open training sessions at Shrub End in the coming weeks.
They take place on June 21, June 28, July 5 and July 12, between 6.30pm-8pm - register your interest here
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