West Ham United Ladies are delighted to announce that the team has been granted a licence to play in the FA Women’s Super League, the restructured top tier of women’s football, for the 2018/19 season.
The Irons will be one of 11 teams to compete in the 2018/19 campaign of the FA Women’s Super League; the first full-time, professional division for female players in England.
David Sullivan is delighted with the Ladies’ successful application to join the WSL and is eager for the new campaign to begin.
“Earning Women’s Super League status is an incredible achievement for everyone involved in our Ladies team, and I would like to say congratulations and well done to the side for their hard work in reaching the WSL,” the Club’s Joint-Chairman told whufc.com.
“Now, the hard work really begins for everyone involved. I have every confidence that Managing Director Jack Sullivan and General Manager Karen Ray will lead our team to the forefront of women’s football in the top division.
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— West Ham United Ladies (@westhamladies) May 28, 2018
“Once again, I would like to express my thanks to everyone involved in our Ladies side for their determination and I look forward to seeing what the team can accomplish going forward.”
The Hammers have enjoyed huge success in 2018, with the side winning two trophies – the FA WPL Plate and the Goodmove.co.uk Women’s Cup – while also claiming wins in 12 of their 15 competitive fixtures this calendar year.
Managing Director Jack Sullivan is hopeful of seeing that success continue to grow when the WSL campaign kicks off in August.
He said: “This is a great day for the Club and a proud one for all involved. The hard work from everyone at the Club has paid off and we are really excited for what lies ahead.
“We are very happy to be at the top of the women’s footballing pyramid, but we all know that the hard work has only just started. We want to be competitive, which means a very busy summer on and off the pitch.
“We want to see as many fans as possible to watch our Ladies team and women’s football. This is an incredible opportunity for the Club to galvanise the local community and West Ham United supporters.
This is a great day for the Club and a proud one for all involved. The hard work from everyone at the Club has paid off and we are really excited for what lies ahead.
Jack Sullivan
“On a personal level, I feel I have learned a lot this year and I am already looking forward to what the new season will bring for West Ham Ladies.”
The restructure of women’s football will see the current FA WSL1 rebranded as the Women’s Super League – West Ham’s division for next season – while a new national league is to be established at tier 2, which will be known as the FA Women’s Championship. Promotion and relegation will be applicable throughout all tiers of the women’s football pyramid.
General Manager Karen Ray has also offered her thanks to everyone who has supported the Ladies this season and is relishing the challenge of playing in the WSL.
Ray added: “I couldn’t be prouder of this achievement for the Club and what an amazing way to top off an incredible 2018 so far. This process has really highlighted the unity and togetherness from everyone who proudly works for West Ham United.
“Despite the big step up, I am confident we will rise to the challenge and relish the opportunity to join some of the best women’s clubs in the world at the top of the football pyramid in England. We know the hard work that lies ahead and we are extremely excited to begin the next chapter of the Ladies’ journey.
“This is the perfect time for us to thank everyone who has shown a truly vested interest and dedication to the progression of both West Ham United Ladies and women’s football in England.”
Season Tickets for West Ham United Ladies' first campaign in the FA Women's Super League are on sale now from just £15! Follow the link here for more information!