Life in the Women’s Super League has officially begun for West Ham United Ladies, who marked their first day as a professional team with pre-season training on Monday.
Head coach Matt Beard and his coaching staff led the side out for their first session of the new era in the Ladies’ history in beautiful, sunny conditions at Little Heath Training Ground.
Monday’s gathering marked the first time the Ladies met as a fully professional outfit in the newly established, top tier of Women’s football.
“This is an exciting step for West Ham Ladies,” Beard told whufc.com: “Add in the excitement of the first day as a professional team, who will be playing in the WSL, and you can tell the players are raring to get going.
It was great to get all the players together for the very first time, out on the pitches. It was the first opportunity for them to get to know each other’s playing styles, attitudes and personalities.
Matt Beard
“It was great to get all the players together for the very first time, out on the pitches. It was the first opportunity for them to get to know each other’s playing styles, attitudes and personalities. I look forward to seeing their understanding of each other continue to develop.”
The likes of Gilly Flaherty, Claire Rafferty and Rosie Kmita all attended Monday’s session, as the team looked to build up their fitness ahead of the campaign.
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Monday's session was a moment of pride for General manager Karen Ray, who helped the team to reach the WSL through the application process.
Ray added: “This is a momentous day for West Ham Ladies. The first day of pre-season as a professional team is a huge landmark in our journey. It is truly a proud moment for everyone involved at the club.
“I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in our journey so far for supporting the next chapter of West Ham United Ladies.”
The Ladies will utilise the facilities at Little Heath for the initial part of pre-season while development of their amenities at Rush Green – the home of West Ham United’s men’s first team – is finalised.
Season Tickets for West Ham United Ladies’ first season in the Women’s Super League are now on sale, starting from just £15!
Come and enjoy the top tier of the Ladies game at Rush Green with the Hammers this season. Pick up your season ticket from the link here!
