Gillingham Ladies hoping to join a remodelled Women's Super League
By Luke Cawdell
Gillingham Ladies have launched a bid to join the Women's Super
League.
The Football Association aim to increase the number of teams in
the top flight of women's football and Gills want to be part of
it.
Gillingham Ladies currently play in the Southern Premiership -
with home games at Chatham's Maidstone Road ground - and in the
past two seasons have faced Super League Chelsea and the
all-conquering Arsenal.
The FA are seeking applications for a remodelled league from
2014, with participation rising from eight teams to 20 split into
two divisions.
To seek election, Gillingham must show a high standard of
commercial, marketing and community programmes, adequate levels of
management and organisation and a high-quality infrastructure.
A club spokesperson said: "We need local businesses to get on
board with sponsorship - no matter how big or small.
"The FA will support the clubs with £30,000 funding per season.
However, the club must find the finances to either match or better
the FA contribution.
"It is estimated the average cost of a team competing in WSL
League 2 will be around £75,000 per season.
"It is expected that in year one, the club must have an average
gate of around 250 per game.
"The more we can get in toward the end of the season the
stronger it will make our application."
21/01/13
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