BOURNEMOUTH Sports have secured a league and cup double in the Southern Women's Football League, with their promotion placing them in the same division as Cherries next season.

Competing in the Premier Division, Bournemouth edged out Ascot United to win the league by one point, with 11 wins from their 16 matches.

And they followed that up with another trophy, defeating Havant & Waterlooville 3-0 at Westleigh Park to win the League Cup, thanks to goals from Emily Phillips, Hollie Shaw and Hannah Bennett.

Sports play their home matches at Chapel Gate and also train at the Talbot Campus of Bournemouth University and now move up to tier four of the English football pyramid.

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Boss Ricky Barton said: “When I set up Bournemouth Sports Ladies Football Club in 2013, the main aim was to provide a community football club that welcomed ladies to play grassroots football in a supportive and cooperative environment.

“When we started in Division Three of the Hampshire regional leagues, we had a small squad, and sometimes struggled to get the bare 11 players on the pitch.

“It was a struggle, keeping the ladies motivated and enthusiastic during that season, but over time, our squad increased and we found ourselves climbing the regional divisions.

“In 2019, we decided to start a reserve team, which meant increasing our coaching staff to support this venture.

“As both teams moved up their respective league, moving into tier five and tier six levels, our reputation grew and we were fortunate to recruit some excellent players with higher level experience, which has in turn improved the playing standard across the squad.

“Winning the SRWFL Premier League was not an ambition when I started out, but when you have such a squad of determined, talented players, it is brilliant to see them justly rewarded.

“We now look to the future, and the opportunity to play against established larger clubs in the National League.

“We know it will be difficult and present us with some unique challenges along the way, but I am proud of what this club has achieved and the club players who have embraced the BSLFC ethos.”

Captain Shaw added: “I always knew we had a good squad at the start of the season, but you don't truly appreciate the calibre until you see them stepping up each week and putting in the solid performances against some really well organised teams.

“We are already looking forward to the challenge of playing tier four football in the Women's National League Division One South West, the mouth-watering prospect of a local derby against AFC Bournemouth.”

With additional playing costs next season and travel to some further away games, Bournemouth Sports are reaching out to local businesses interested in entering into a partnership with the club.

For more details on sponsorship opportunities, contact ladiessecretary@bournemouthsportsfc.co.uk