LADIES FOOTBALL
In 1991 Bob Mitchell the Chairman of Abbey Rangers F.C. was looking to start a Ladies team. Bob persuaded John Grogan who had previously managed local men’s teams to take on the roll of organising the new Ladies team. The ladies started competing in the London League, they then joined the South East Counties League where they progressed through to winning the premier Division.
During this time a Reserve team was formed as well as a girls youth team. All three sides were successful and this encouraged the club to set up further age groups for the ladies and girls section.
Having progressed to the South East Combination League, Abbey Ladies were now up against strong teams which Included Chelsea, Norwich, Watford and Charlton. they also had other teams who wanted their players, some of whom were now offering a wage.
The Ladies took a step back and rebuilt however by now Johns daughter Cherie had decided she wanted to play football. Abbey Rangers was very keen to set up younger age groups so we entered the Surrey girls youth league for under 10s. This is where John met Robin Russell who joined the management team and his daughter Kerry who joined the players and who both remain to this day.
We progressed up to under 18s and then into the Ladies Section. Unfortunately the league decided not to progress Ladies Football which was a-shame as there were lots of teams in Surrey.
We then had the choice of going into the London League complete with the congestion charge, joining up with the Ladies team in the South East Counties League or the Thames Valley League. We decided to enter the Thames Valley League and took off, winning the League without losing a game and making the League cup final which we sadly lost. As with most teams we lost players to University but as the club had now set up different age teams we have now plenty to call on and enough for a reserve team.
The first team team had won the next division and were promoted to the Southern Region League.This meant trips to Bournemouth, Southampton, Eastleigh and more. Covid halted the season although we were in third position and the Reserves were second.
So the new season has once again started with last years under 18s coming up to the Ladies.
if you are interested in joining a friendly club, there are girls teams for under 16s and Ladies teams for the over 16s.
Please contact
John Grogan 07855520210
Robin Russell 07779737020