Besides a record-breaking run in the FA Cup, an epic end of season title decider and success in the Ryman League and Kent Cups, the club experienced the biggest moment in its history during the quiet off-season.
By Charlotte Richardson
Gillingham Ladies officially became part of Gillingham FC, Kent’s only football league club. With matches now played at the home of Kent football, MEMS Priestfield Stadium, the players are able to showcase their talents in a professional League 1 setting. The future and sustainability of Kent’s top women’s team was also confirmed with the leadership and support of Gillingham FC Chairman Paul Scally and his board.
Since then, there have been plenty of changes. Former Gills legend Simon Ratcliffe took over the management of the team and oversaw the recruitment of a number of new players into the squad, after most of last season’s first team followed the previous manager to WPL side Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Ladies have also forged a fantastic working relationship with Gillingham’s successful Girls Centre of Excellence and Community Trust, paving the way for the long term development of female players at all levels of the game.
A grand total of 15 Centre of Excellence players have featured in the Gills first team this season, with seven of last year’s Centre of Excellence graduates making the step up to senior women’s football with the club.
This pathway starts with the great work being undertaken in the local community where girls of all ages are actively encouraged and given the chance to play the game. The Community Trust are one of 56 pro clubs supporting the Female Football Development (FFD) programme through the Football League Trust. The programme focuses on fun and fitness rather than competition and performance and has brought the benefits of sports to women and girls who previously might not have considered playing football.
The Community Trust also oversees the running of the club’s highly successful Girls C of E with teams from under 9 to under 17 age groups. From the latter the girls then have the opportunity to progress into the ladies reserves or first team. On top of this, the club now offers a Girls Post 16 Academy, which is currently in its inaugural year. This enables girls aged 16-19 who love to play football the opportunity to do so on a full time basis whilst picking up a BTEC and whole host of other qualifications.
One of the most exciting features of the recent steps forward has been the transition of a number of C of E graduates into the women’s game at both reserve and first team level. There is now a clear, progressive pathway into the teams once the girls have finished their youth football journey and the future looks bright with highly talented girls at every age group, all striving to develop their game to the elite level.
The coaching staff within the centre of excellence are all highly qualified, experienced coaches and are constantly supported by a technical director, Darren Hare, and first team manager Simon Ratcliffe.
The hard work off the pitch is revolutionizing women and girl’s football in Kent, with Gillingham Ladies paving the way for more and more young girls and women to have a role in football, whether playing, officiating or working within the industry.
The result of such dedication and endeavour is beginning to make a subtle impact on the fan base the women’s side are enjoying. With over 4,000 fans on social media and growing attendances, the club’s players are given a royal reception every time they grace the pitch at Priestfield and are fully aware of the responsibility they now hold as role models to a generation of young boys and girls who enjoy the women’s game.
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
