CHERRIES have announced the direction of the women’s team will now be under the control of the football club, as opposed to the Community Sports Trust.

Since buying the club last year, Foley has always outlined his plans to boost Cherries’ women, with this move pivotal to doing exactly that.

Women’s first-team boss Steve Cuss, who guided the club to Hampshire Senior Cup glory in May, will continue in his role.

A statement from the club says “significant investment into the women’s team will continue”, which includes moving the side to train at the new Canford Magna training complex, when construction is completed.

More women’s games are scheduled to be held at Vitality Stadium next season, while the club are also looking to “increase its engagement” of the 180 women and girls currently playing under the Cherries banner.

Cuss said: “We are passionate about supporting the development of AFC Bournemouth women’s team.

“I’m delighted that this move to bring the team under the club umbrella will provide greater support as it looks to continue its progression.

“It’s an exciting time and we are grateful to Bill Foley for this show of support.”

Cherries chief executive Neill Blake added: “Ever since Bill took over the football club, he has been passionate and vocal about wanting to grow every area of AFC Bournemouth, from our men’s team to our women’s team, including our youth development, and this is another big step towards achieving that.

“Steve has done an outstanding job with the women’s team over the years, which was evident in their impressive Hampshire Senior Cup win at the end of last season.

“We now look forward to further development of our women’s team as we progress into this new and exciting chapter.”