09/7/09

Lewes FC Ladies are looking towards the 2009 /10 season following their most successful campaign ever last time round.

Firmly established in the top half of the South East Combination League and reigning Sussex County Cup and SEC League Cup holders, the team’s next ambition is challenge for promotion to the FA Women’s Premier League.

The ladies' squad is fully integrated into Lewes Football Club and benefits from the fantastic pitch at the Dripping Pan. Ronnie Moore is the Ladies Director of Football and holds a prominent role within the club's management structure. Jacquie, now in her seventh season as manager, is only the second manager in over 12 years at Lewes which gives an indication of the team's stability.

The deep roots sown by previous manager Ron Moore over the previous seven years has provided the springboard for Jacquie to evolve the side within the modern game. “The facilities are first class and we really feel a part of the club as a whole,” she says. Lewes have an abundance of coaches with various FA badges to vary the training schedule, whilst Sussex Downs College offers a women's football development programme on which several members of the Lewes squad are current or past students.

All the hard work behind the scenes has translated into success on the pitch and Jacquie is rightfully proud of her squad's achievements. The club is sitting at its highest ever position in the football pyramid and shows no sign of slowing down.

Last season Lewes got off to a great start and enjoyed spells at the top of the table, but their title challenge tailed off towards the end of the campaign. A stronger finish will be a priority this time round.

“We've adapted quickly to the higher standard,” says Jacquie, “since our style of play is to keep the ball down and play football. However we need to be more robust and improve our mental strength. That’s what I’ll be working on this season.”

Lewes' success has not gone unnoticed and they've attracted a number of new players from Combination, higher League sides and Centres of Excellence. “There is a good balance in the team,” says Captain Kelly Newton, herself a player with Premier League experience. “We are continuing to attract quality players who like what we have to offer.”

“I want to keep the momentum going, we have a really strong unit but with a couple of new signings this would really enable us to push for promotion into the Premier League.  I'm looking for people with the potential and ambition to play in the higher leagues because that's where I want to be in the near future.”

Over half of the Team are strongly represented in the Sussex County squad and have gained valuable experience playing with some of the best players in the county.

As preparations get underway for the new season, Lewes FC have announced their first three friendlies:

• 26th July v Havant & Waterlooville (venue to be arranged)
• 2nd August v Charlton (away) Premier League opposition
• 9th August v Denham (away)

Players interested in progressing their talent with a club that is in great shape and going places please call Ron Moore Director of Ladies Football on 01273 474345.