As West Ham United Ladies continue the application process for a license to play in the top division of the restructured FA Women's Super League from 2018/19, general manager Karen Ray has penned a column on the side's journey:
Being part of West Ham United requires patience, belief and an intense desire. The club has history; full of pride, character and a legacy to maintain. At the Ladies, we are trying to inherit all of these wonderful characteristics, while also setting out to ensure that the culture shift and engagement are our mechanisms for exceptional success in our own right.
As they say; a flock of birds flying in formation is 70% more efficient than flying solo.
Character begins with humility, I am not ashamed to admit that without the overwhelming support of everyone at the club we would not be where we are today. The marketing team, led by Karim Virani have been instrumental in supporting the application and have shown an undeniable amount of dedication.
Anyone associated with West Ham United requires an incalculable amount of authenticity. Every member of this club must trust in the sense of safe vulnerability with honesty and integrity.
It is no secret that we are aiming for the highest cloud and we have built a great synergy within the club because of our passion. Women’s football is finally beginning to emerge from the dark and we are hoping to become part of the most exciting sporting culture at the highest level of the game.
We urge you all to join us as we create a legacy, making the intangible real. Support us as we make a purposeful contribution to the club.
Let’s capitalize on the opportunity to bridge the gap by promoting equality in football and opening new doors for young girls by ambitiously creating future stars within the game.
I would like to end by wishing our Managing Director, Jack Sullivan, a very happy birthday from everyone at West Ham United Ladies.
We are all truly grateful for your efforts, belief and contribution to put the Ladies at the forefront.
