New home ground for Bolton Wanderers Ladies

Bolton Wanderers Ladies will play their home fixtures at Atherton Collieries' Kensite Stadium from the start of the 2017/18 campaign.

The club's female side, who won their respective league and cup double in 2016/17, have reached an agreement with the Northern Premier League Division One North outfit to share their Alder House ground.

This will also include free entry to the ladies' home games for Bolton Wanderers season ticket holders.

Speaking regarding the agreement, Colls' committee member Joseph Gibson said, "As a club we’re delighted to welcome this brand new partnership with Bolton Wanderers Ladies.

"Over the last few years there has been an upsurge in interest in the ladies game thanks to new initiatives from The FA and increased media publicity.

"This has undoubtedly benefited Bolton Wanderers and the title winning season last year is testament to the hard work that they have put in.

"Atherton Collieries is run predominantly by current or former Bolton Wanderers season ticket holders, with many still attending Whites games whenever they can.

"It has always been a dream of ours to have a strong link with the professional club that we support and this has been growing over the last three years."

He continued: "The annual pre-season matches at Colls have proved extremely popular among Bolton fans and fortunately we have been able to build off this.

"A couple of our players have been handed trials at Wanderers and behind the scenes they are always willing to help us out if we need help or advice.

"This link with the ladies section of the club will only strengthen this partnership further and it is something that we are extremely privileged to be involved in.

"With Bolton Wanderers Ladies playing their games on a Sunday it means that our fans will be able to get down to Colls and get behind them.

"As well as league games, this partnership will see Bolton host their FA Women’s Cup matches at The Kensite Stadium if they are handed a home tie."

Darren Butler, club secretary of the BWLGFC, added, “The aim is to create a home for Bolton women’s football that will serve us now and for our future ambitions and, importantly, create a team which Wanderers fans identify as one of their own.

“Being able to use a proper enclosed ground with social and refreshment facilities means we can offer fans a chance to come down, see what we are all about, and hopefully enjoy a proper football experience, no different than they would on a Saturday.”

More information on Bolton Wanderers Ladies, including their fixtures for the coming campaign, will be announced in due course.

 

Read Time: 3 mins