FC United Women's Team: 2024/25 Season Update

As FC United gears up for the 2024/25 season, our women's team management have been hard at work shaping the squad and preparing for the season ahead.

Recruitment this summer has proven to be challenging, as despite the ongoing growth in the women's game, the pool of players available at the elite level remains relatively small. This is a broader issue affecting many clubs, particularly those at our level in the football pyramid. With more clubs establishing women’s teams to capitalise on the sport's increasing popularity, competition for quality players has intensified, even as we make our first commitment to paying our women’s team this season.

The challenge is further compounded by the fact that as the development pathways for women’s football are still maturing, many young talents are just beginning to emerge from grassroots and academy levels into senior football. This means that while there is an influx of interest in the sport, the number of players ready to compete at higher levels isn't expanding as quickly as the demand. As a result, we, like many others, have seen players exploring opportunities higher up the pyramid before committing to play at this level following our relegation last season.

This is not an issue unique to us. Clubs across the region are experiencing similar challenges, with some struggling to assemble full squads only weeks before the season's start. Availability of players due to injuries and holidays has contributed to the unfortunate cancellation of some friendly matches, both by our opposition and ourselves, which has hampered some of our preparations. Nevertheless, the squad has shown great resilience and has put their all into every session.

Some friendly games were played ‘behind closed doors’ as part of an agreement with opposition teams, and requests with others not to publicise matches or report on results, as the focus was on fitness and performance over the scoreline. Whilst we recognise the disappointment of some supporters around this, we have to be respectful of the wishes of other clubs, particularly if we want to attract strong opposition for pre-season preparation.

Whilst things may have seemed quiet over the last few weeks, the management team have been working tirelessly in assembling their squad for 2024/25, and we welcome several new additions, alongside some returning faces.

We have two signings from Stockport Country. Abby Lester, a young attacking forward joins us alongside Charlie Ferguson, an excellent ball-playing defender.

Tenacious and hardworking midfielder Daisie Hastwell makes her step up from the lower leagues to bolster the squad and will be joined in the midfield by Elizabeth Muellner who signs from Oldham.

We have a new full back, who can play on either side of the pitch, in Darcey Griffin. Also in a wide position, we have brought in Ivy Caraher, a youthful winger from Bolton Wanderers who has had call ups for Slovakia's U19 team.

We're glad to see the return of Sophie Donald, our superb goalkeeper whose save in the penalty shootout of the Manchester FA Cup final last season was crucial in our victory, and who went on to scoop up all the awards at the end of season presentation evening. Cara Bickett will continue to be a great leader in defence.

Congratulations go out to Keunna Dill who had a beautiful baby girl in the summer and is now preparing for the new season by training with Bermuda, and is aiming to return back to the squad in September.

Unfortunately Emily Walton, one of our key players from last season, will miss some time through injury. Emily has suffered a knee injury and is currently waiting on a scan as part of her rehab and whilst the injury is not as bad as first feared, Emily will likely be out of action for around three months.

Jennie Swarbrick has also been tirelessly working with other clubs to secure some long-term loan signings to help bolster the squad and some further new arrivals should hopefully be in place by the end of the week.

Jennie is also continuing her great work with the Pro Game Academies in securing the services of some of the best young talent in the North West to help with their development.

The impact and exposure of some of the players who played for the women’s team last season has resulted in them now returning to their parent clubs and are now starting to see first team action. These clubs have acknowledged the support, coaching and game experience as a key factor in the development of these players.

These signings reflect our commitment to strengthening key areas of the team, enhancing our competitive edge as we aim for success in the upcoming season. As we’ve noted above, there is going to be continued squad movements across the league over the next few weeks, as players who have been looking at opportunities higher up now look to this level for a permanent home for the season. We will keep supporters updated with further squad news as and when it is available.

The first match of the FC United Women's Team for the 2024/25 season is against away at Fleetwood Town Wrens Ladies on Sunday 18th August, kick off 2pm. This match marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and competitive season, where the team will showcase their hard work, new signings, and determination to start the season on a high note.