Bristol Rovers Women’s have formally applied to enter the Gloucestershire County Women’s Football League, while an Under 18’s team has applied to enter the Gloucestershire FA Under 18’s League. It will be the first time since 2005 that the blue and white quarters of Bristol Rovers will be represented in the English Women’s Football Pyramid.
The ‘Gas Girls’ were initially formed in 1998, starting out in the South West League and in 2005, Bristol Rovers Women’s FC became known as Bristol Academy WFC under a new partnership agreement with South Gloucestershire and Stroud College. In 2011 the club changed its name to Bristol Academy WFC in 2011 and finally became Bristol City Women’s Football Club in 2015.
Adam Tutton, Community Trust CEO and Women’s Chairman said, “We are thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Gas Girls. Over the last 18 months, our Women’s and Girls football provision has grown enormously, culminating in a Wembley Stadium appearance for our EFL U13 Girl’s team from Mangotsfield School.
“To support this growth and further encourage females to play football across Bristol, we have decided to reform Bristol Rovers Women, aka the Gas Girls. The team will initially be a competitive, participation based club open to all abilities rather than a focus on elite level football. We hope to give as many women and girls, regardless of background, the choice to represent Bristol Rovers.”
Head of Women’s and Girls football at Bristol Rovers Community Trust, Nathan Hallett-Young, said “The development of the women’s game is growing at a considerable rate across the country and I’ve witnessed the growth first hand with my role over the last few years. A participant focused senior women’s team is the next logical step for our programme to progress and I can’t wait to get started and continue to develop the women’s game under the banner of Bristol Rovers Community Trust.”
Matthew Davies, Community Trust Media Manager and Women’s Secretary said “As a huge advocate of women’s and girls football, I’m delighted to be a part of the newly formed Bristol Rovers Women’s Team. Everyone at the Community Trust is passionate about the development of the women’s game and I’m looking forward to helping the club develop, grow and progress.”
Bristol Rovers Women’s will be recruiting players throughout May, June and July at the £6m Lockleaze Sports Centre, the new home of Bristol Rovers Women’s. If you would to attend one of the open training sessions or find out more, please click HERE.