The rise of women’s football across the land has seen a boom in the numbers of women and girls taking up the sport, and now Real Bedford have taken the local Women’s team under their wings at McMullen Park.
The Real Bedford men’s team, who stormed to the Spartans South Midlands Division One title last season, have completed their merger with Bedford Ladies and Girls FC, who will now adorn the orange kit for next season and beyond.
Real Bedford Ladies will continue at Tier 5 of the Women’s football league next season looking to improve on their previous performance last campaign, where they finished bottom of the Eastern Region Women’s Football League.
“We must champion Women’s football”
The enigmatic Real Bedford Chairman, Peter McCormack, has been front and centre of the merger and is as eager as ever to get going with the club’s latest positive move.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Bedford Girls & Ladies FC over the past year, and we are proud to welcome them officially into the Real Bedford family.
By incorporating them under the Real Bedford Ladies banner, we aim to create an inclusive environment that celebrates talent and fosters a winning mentality.
For decades women have supported men’s football – it is time for us to give some support back. We firmly believe that a modern football club must prioritise and champion women’s football.
This partnership shows our commitment to growing the opportunities for girls to play football in Bedford.”
The success of the England side at the Women’s Euros has been cited by many as a steep rise in the numbers taking up football and Real Bedford are keen to continue that legacy in whatever way they can.
Jill Upton, Chair of Bedford Ladies and Girls FC said, “We have enjoyed the support from Real Bedford and are happy to further integrate this season.”
“Peter McCormack has a refreshing interest in equality of the female game, and we are confident this will elevate us to the next level.”
The Ladies team will also benefit from a highly experienced manager in Steve Worrall; the former Luton Town Ladies coach keen to be a part of the exciting events at McMullen Park but is under no illusions of the challenges that await on the pitch.
“Season wise it hasn’t been the best. We usually missed out on games by small margins which has caused frustration when reflecting on the campaign.
However, Worrell is optimistic that with the partnership between the men’s and women’s side growing, next season will see a significant improvement.
“The club is certainly on an upward trajectory and with the opportunity for a full pre-season as well as seeing the ambition and success on the men’s side, it’s a great opportunity.”
