SANDHURST Town have made a successful application to play in the Southern Regional Women’s League next season, writes Dave Wright.

They have been placed in First Division North, where they will be up against Wokingham & Emmbrook, Wargrave, Abingdon United, Basingstoke Town, Oxford City Nomads and Wycombe Wanderers.

Last season the club finished fifth of nine in the Thames Valley Counties League’s Division Two East with Ascot United Reserves and Binfield among the sides below them.

One of their last fixtures saw them thrash Taplow Reds 14-1.

It is a big step up for Sandhurst, but they are confident they will make their mark.

Chairman Tony Dean said: “This represents a major step forward in the further development of the club and raises the profile of women’s football in the area in keeping with the quality of our facilities and our status as a senior club.”

The Fizzers’ females will be coached by UEFA B coach Mark Lowe, who has many years coaching experience of youth, men’s and ladies football including in the USA .

The club have also appointed Stan Bembenek as a club vice-president with specific responsibility for the women’s football development.

He was a founder member of Reading Royals, who went on to form the nucleus of Reading FC Women, now one of the leading teams in the country.

The club are also looking to secure a number of sponsors Trials for the new team take place at their Bottom Meadow venue on July 15, starting at 1.30pm. Sandhurst are also seeking new players for their senior team, Under 18s and Sunday side. Anyone interested should contact Tony Dean on 07999571111 or email chairmanstfc @hotmail.co.uk.