VCD Athletic agree a four-year deal for Charlton Athletic Women's side to play at Oakwood

VCD ATHLETIC chairman Gary Rump has agreed a four-deal deal for Charlton Athletic’s Women side to play their home games at Oakwood.

Charlton Athletic were promoted to the FA Women’s Championship and will be playing their home games in Crayford after deciding to leave Bayliss Avenue in Thamesmead, which will stage games for Southern Counties East Football League First Division games for Sporting Club Thamesmead and Welling Town next season.

The Football Association and everyone involved in women’s football has an objective of increasing attendances.

Charlton Athletic Women’s chairman Stephen King told www.cafcwomen.co.uk: “We’ll be sorry to leave Thamesmead as the staff there always looked after us well, but it is not ideally placed geographically. Several people have said they would come along more often if it was easier to get to and easier to park. I think Oakwood ticks those boxes. 

“We held initial discussions about ground-sharing but until promotion was confirmed we couldn’t push on with our plans. 

“Having visited Oakwood a few times now, I’m sure we will benefit from the move to what is a bigger and more suitable location. There is far more parking available, more seating and more covered areas for spectators.   The changing rooms are being refurbished and of course there are all the other facilities you’d expect.   

“We’ve already established a good working relationship with the chairman and the other people running VCD Athletic. This will be a good opportunity for both clubs to work together for mutual advantage”.

VCD Athletic chairman Rump believes the agreement will raise the profile of his Bostik South East Division club, especially as there is a possibility of televised games at the level at which we will play at next season.

Explaining the tie-up, Mr Rump said: “I am delighted that there will be women’s soccer at VCD next season, as this will be the first time that elite women’s football has been played at Oakwood. I am looking forward to a rewarding partnership during this new arrangement with Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club.”

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic Women are delighted to confirm the appointment of Dave Archer as a salaried general manager.

This fills a new and essential role in the club’s evolutionary programme now that promotion to the second-tier has been achieved.

No stranger to Charlton Athletic, Mr Archer is the former head of commercial sales at The Valley where he held office for many years including during the Premiership era.

In 2013 he left Charlton to take the general manager position at Ebbsfleet United, where he has also served as a director.  He helped transform the fortunes of that club and was instrumental in securing many sponsorship deals and has been involved in several other marketing initiatives.

Mr King said: “I can see this being our most important new signing of the summer. I got to know Dave during his time at Charlton and we’ve kept in touch ever since he moved to Ebbsfleet.

“When I learned that he might become available, I was quick to agree something in principle because he is exactly the type of person with the type of skillset that we will need in the Championship. 

“Dave is highly respected throughout the football world and has vast knowledge and experience. He will always give 100%.

“Whilst women’s football will be new to him, I know he has kept an eye on what we’ve been doing and it won’t take him long to get up to speed.  Dave will be our first salaried office-based member of staff and will be based at The Valley.”   

Archer, who will join the club when he leaves Ebbsfleet at the end of the month, said “I am really excited by this opportunity and I am looking forward to helping bring more success to Charlton Athletic Women’s Football Club.”

Visit Charlton Athletic Women’s website: www.cafcwomen.co.uk