Chatham Town take Gillingham's place in the third tier of Women's Football

CHATHAM TOWN have taken over Gillingham’s place in the third-tier of Women’s Football, the Isthmian League Premier Division club has announced today.

“Following several seasons in the wilderness as a standalone, independently run club, with no home ground, training ground, external facilities, or revenue streams, Gillingham Women are delighted to announce that approval has been received from the National FA Council, the FA Women’s National League and The Kent FA to change name with immediate effect to Chatham Town Women,” said a club statement.

“The club will retain the FA Women’s National Premier Division South status.

“Chatham Town chairman Kevin Hake and the team of dedicated volunteers at Chatham Town answered an SOS in September.  The team and staff have since made Chatham Town their home and are delighted to have a bright and sustainable future.”

Dan Logue will remain as first team manager and the playing squad, who finished last season in seventh-place and won the Kent Women’s Cup, will continue to grow from strength-to-strength with off-field enhancements.

The Maidstone Road outfit will be launching a brand new girls’ Academy and will enter teams into the JPL at under 12-under 18 level.

The club is announcing a Reserve Academy side for next season, which will provide a direct pathway to the first team.  The side will play in the FA Women’s National Youth under 21 league.

Chatham Town are holding trials for each side this summer.

Meanwhile, Chatham Town welcome Women's Super League side West Ham United to Maidstone Road for a pre-season friendly on Wednesday 9 August.

"This is an exciting time for women's football in Medway and Kent, the support received from the local community since the return to Medway has been phenomenal," added the statement.

For more details visit Chatham Town’s website: www.chathamtownfc.com