The Robins say that their Cheltenham Town brand will retain its identity and be enhanced with a youth section at U-8, U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16 and possibly U-18 level. It is also likely that a third full senior side will be created, allowing the club to compete on the National, Regional and County stages.
Whilst much of the detail is still to be finalised, work starts now and both Chairman are convinced this will benefit the girls and ladies game in the Town hugely.
Town Chairman Andy Liddle told ctlfc.com; “For many years now, we have been signposting girls interested in playing the game at under 16 level to Spa, who have a great youth set up. As girls grow and develop their skills, many then seek to play adult football at a higher level, and many with Cheltenham Town Ladies. It therefore makes sense to create one bigger club, where pathways are clear, and where the focus at all levels is only on development”.
Girls and Ladies football development office for Gloucestershire, Alexis Lunn-Gadd, has been overseeing talks, and commented “The merger of the two clubs will ensure a pathway from youth female football starting at U-8s right through to adult football with the Cheltenham Town’s first team in the FA Women’s Premier League. This can only be a positive move for football in Cheltenham in terms of growing and retaining teams and creating opportunitues for girls and women women of any age to play football in the area.
Liddle concluded, “I am delighted with the work our Vice Chair Ian Purvis has undertaken on this merger, and with Gary Goodall’s outlook, which is purely about developing female footballers.”
Pictured: Graham Fletcher, Gary Goodhall, Andy Liddle and Guy Sterling-Lee. (Photo: ctlfc.com)
