West Ham United will play their home fixtures at AFC Hornchurch's Bridge Avenue Stadium in 2015/16
West Ham United Ladies will play home games at AFC Hornchurch's Bridge Avenue in 2015/16
West Ham United Ladies have announced that they will be moving their home fixtures for the 2015/16 season to AFC Hornchurch’s Bridge Avenue Stadium in Upminster.
The move, which is the first of many exciting announcements coming before the new FA Women’s Premier League South campaign kicks-off in August, means that the Hammers are moving away from Aveley FC’s Mill Field Stadium after one season with the Isthmian League Division One club.
Stephen Hunt, Joint-Chairman of West Ham United Ladies alongside his father John, said: “A month into our new role and we are delighted to make this announcement. Colin McBride at AFC Hornchurch has made us very welcome and we look forward to playing here and taking the club forward towards the Women’s Super League.”
AFC Hornchurch Chairman McBride added his excitement that the deal between the two clubs had been done, adding: “Over the past few seasons, the Essex FA have asked us to hold Ladies County Cup final games at our ground and I remember when West Ham played Colchester and Barking here.
“We enjoyed watching the girls play and when the opportunity came round to host a league game [against Queens Park Rangers] last season, we happily agreed to it. Now the deal has taken place, we are excited and want to embrace this opportunity and show our support to West Ham United through the Ladies team.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the Ladies down on a regular basis and will do everything in our power to make it a memorable day for everyone coming to games.”
Ladies manager and West Ham legend Julian Dicks was also delighted that the first step towards enjoying a successful season has been put in place. He said: “I’m pleased that we’ve sealed the move to Hornchurch because it’s a step forward in terms of facilities for players, staff and fans.
“We are working hard this summer to prepare for next season and it was important for us to find a nice, local ground that we can now call our new home.”
West Ham Ladies have been working hard to get all their plans in place for a successful 2015/16 season, including arranging trial dates, preparing pre-match entertainment and increasing media coverage of the club.
Further announcements about the matchday experience will be announced via the Ladies official website and social media channels over the summer. One development will be the possibility of live music before the matches with a couple of local bands already interested in performing.
For more information, please visit the Ladies website here or follow them on Twitter @westhamladies.