25thjuly05G

Sunday 24th July 2005

Fleet girls prepare for new campaign

Gravesend & Northfleet Ladies (formerly AEI Gravesend) have announced their pre-season programme as they prepare for their new season, writes Stephen McCartney.

"The ladies team have been working hard in pre-season training since June and team manager Valter Antunes has selected some testing matches for the Fleet ladies in preparation for their new league programme," said Tina Martin.

The club have been promoted into the South East and London Alliance Premier Division.

They will face four higher league sides in pre-season matches and Martin added: "With a few new squad additions to the ladies team, they can't wait for the season to get underway."

They start their pre-season programme on Sunday 7th August with a trip to play Crystal Palace's reserve team.

A trip into Essex follows on Thursday 11th August to Dagenham & Redbridge.

Their only home friendly is against Gillingham on Sunday 14th August, and they finish off at Charlton Athletic's reserve side seven days later.

Charlton Athletic's reserve side lost their Kent Senior Cup final to Millwall in a penalty shoot out after the game finished goal-less after extra time, at Sevenoaks Town's ground at Greatness Park at the end of April.

Meanwhile, the draws for the early rounds of the FA Women's Cup have been made.

This year's competitions features 224 clubs, which sees an increase of 14 from last term.

Charlton Athletic are the defending champions, after Eniola Aluko's goal was enough to defeat Everton at Upton Park three months ago.

Gravesend & Northfleet start their FA Women's Cup campaign with a trip to MK Wanderers on Sunday 11th September (2pm).

And if successful, they will face Carterton or Corinthian-Casuals at home in the next round two weeks later.

Meanwhile, Gravesend and Northfleet FC (Football in the community scheme) and Gravesend and Northfleet Ladies FC are running 4 day Summer Soccer Spectaculars 2005 with girls only soccer camps, aged 8-16years.

The courses will be hosted at Fleet Leisure Sports Club, Nelson Road Northfleet (formerly known as Beauwaters sports club).

The dates are Monday 8^th and Tuesday 9^th August followed by Tuesday 30^th and Wednesday 31^st August.

Players can book on for one day or upto four days.

Courses will be run by female qualified coaches and include Soccer Skills, Five - a – sides, Tournaments, Soccer related fun and games and will issue Special prizes

You need to complete and return application form with payment to book your place.

Telephone Chris Baker Community Scheme 01474 533796 or Tina Martin 07732148011 for an application form.

All details can be found on the club website www.intheteam.com/gravesendladiesfc

If you are interested in getting involved in the club or ladies/girl's football then please contact Tina Martin 07732148011 for more information.