We have a lot to look forward to, says Gillingham skipper Vicky Ashton-Jones

GILLINGHAM Ladies Football Club paid a special visit to the children’s ward of Medway Maritime Hospital to spread a bit of Christmas cheer for patients and staff.

With a collection of Gillingham Ladies goody bags with gifts from The Football Association and Kent Football Association and hampers full of festive treats, the FA Women’s Premier League Southern Division league leaders toured the ward last Saturday, speaking to guests, signing autographs and presenting gifts.

Players, coaches and staff had a brilliant time speaking to patients, parents and staff alike.

Director of football, Bill Long, said: “Gillingham Ladies are proud and privileged to have been able to come along to the children’s ward.

“We’ve met some very, very special people and are so happy to be able to put some smiles on their faces.

“It’s very important that the club pays back to the local community and this was a perfect opportunity to do so. 

“We had a wonderful morning, the children and parents were thrilled with their gifts and importantly we wanted to pay tribute to the staff who play such an important role during the festive period.  To be able to present them with a hamper was the icing on the cake.”

“The club wish all patients, staff and their families at the Maritime Medway Hospital a very Merry Christmas.”

James Marrs' side travel to Keynsham Town (5 January) and Queens Park Rangers in The FA Women’s Cup Second Round (12 January), before welcoming Charlton Athletic to Chatham Town’s Maidstone Road ground in the league on 19 January.

Club captain, Vicky Ashton-Jones says she is looking forward to the New Year.

“The New Year is the business side of the season,” the defender told the club’s website.

“Results start getting closer and the table starts to form, championship battles take place, relegation battles to happen, cup competitions in full flow.

“With the FA Cup Second Round in the second week back against QPR, two more rounds to go with the Kent Cup Final in sight and reaching the quarter-finals of the League Cup being drawn away to Coventry, we have a lot to look forward to and a lot still to work hard and play for.”

Meanwhile, striker Felicity Gibbons, says she is sad to be leaving Gillingham after her loan spell from Watford ended.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be part of such a wonderful club for the past four months, huge thanks to everyone for making me feel so at home.”

Meanwhile, Charlton Athletic’s Women’s side would like to thank ASDA Charlton for letting them bag pack to raise funds for the club.

“Thanks to the generous ASDA shoppers, many of who were Charlton fans, we raised £929 to go towards club funds and the purchase of Nike training kit,” said club secretary Sue Prior.

“Thanks to the 50 players who took part in our Christmas Bag Pack and also to the parents of the younger players who transported them to ASDA.”

Meanwhile, back on the pitch, Grace Coombs has signed for the Addicks following her return from studying at University of Massachusetts, America.

Coombs previously played for Charlton Athletic where she progressed from the Centre of Excellence to the Academy and onto the first team before moving to America to study.

Stuart Weston's side travel to Thurrock’s Ship Lane ground to play West Ham (5 January), before Milton Keynes Dons arrive at Thamesmead Town’s Bayliss Avenue in The FA Women’s Cup Second Round on 12 January.

Visit Gillingham Ladies website: www.glfc2013.wordpress.com

Visit Charlton Athletic’s Ladies website: www.cafcwomen.co.uk