Colchester United Women's Football Club, commonly referred to as The U's unless distinguishing themselves from the men's team, is an English women's association football club based in the city of Colchester, Essex, England formed in July 2023. The club plays in the Premier Division of the Essex County Women’s Football League, the ninth level of the English women’s football league system.
| Full name | Colchester United Women's Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | The U's | ||
| Founded | July 2023 | ||
| Ground | Colchester Garrison B Ground | ||
| Head Coach | Simon King | ||
| League | Essex County Women's Football League | ||
| Website | http://www.cu-fc.com | ||
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History
editAfter a ten-year absence of a women's football team at Colchester following the folding of Colchester United L.F.C., Colchester United Football in the Community unveiled plans to reform a women's team in time for the 2023/24 season in June 2023.[1][2][3] Trials were held at Shrub End Sports Ground over three consecutive weeks, with successful players being informed of their position in July 2023. The founding of Colchester United W.F.C was confirmed at CUFC's Annual Open Day held at the Colchester Community Stadium on Sunday 16th July along with the appointment of Luke Worley as head coach.
Pre-season friendlies took place during August 2023. The team's first match of the season took place against Chelmsford City Reserves on Sunday 10th September,[4] The U's winning 11-0. The U's completed the seasion undefeated in all division matches. [5][6]
Coach Luke Worley stepped down from the role of head coach in December 2023, with Simon King filling the position in February 2024[7]
The team successfully entered Round Three of the BBC Essex County Cup following victories over Frontier Ladies First (3-0) and Toby Ladies First (2-0) but suffered a 8-0 defeat to FA National League side Billericay Town Women Reserves.
The U's defeated Southminster United Ladies First on 19th May 2024 in the League Cup Final (winning 6-0),[8] after beating Premier Division team Chelmsford City Women in the semi-final. [9] This meant that they secured the Double in their first season in addition to being undefeated in all league matches. [10]
2023/24 campaign
editSee also 2023–24 Colchester United W.F.C. season for fixtures, results and additional stats.
The team played a total of 27 matches throughout the season (excluding friendlies):
League: Played 18 (won 18, lost 0)
Essex Women's Cup: Played 3 (won 2, lost 1)
League Cup: Playes 6 (won 6, lost 0)
2024/25 campaign
editSee also 2024–25 Colchester United W.F.C. season for season fixtures, results and additional stats.
As of 10th November 2024, the team is undefeated in all league and cup matches of the season.
Colours and crest
editThe team plays in the same kit as worn by the men's team to represent equality and value across both disciplines[1]. For the 2024/25 Season, the home shirt consists of a modern take on the Club's traditional blue and white striped design, while the away shirt is red with narrow blue stripes around the collar, sleeves and underarms, inspired by the mens team's historic success in the 2005/6 season[2].
Stadium
editDespite originally planning to host matches at their Shrub End training ground, it was announced on 12th September 2023 that their new home ground would be at Colchester Garrison, with full access to the covered seating area and clubhouse before and after matches.[11]
Players
editFirst-team squad
editFor 2024/25 season [3]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Coaching staff
edit- Head Coach: Simon King
- Assistant Head Coach: Milly Morgan
- Goalkeeping Coach: Carl Oliver
Honours
editLeague
- Essex County Women’s Football League Division Two
- Promoted: 2023/24 (double-promotion to Premier Division)
Cup
- Football League Cup
- Winners: 2023/4
References
edit- ^ "Colchester United to launch new women's team". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2023-12-08.
- ^ "Colchester United women's team to make welcome return after ten-year absence". Gazette. 2023-06-07. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
- ^ "Colchester United's relaunched Women's team is "pathway" for "Young Talented Players"". Planet Radio. 2023-06-12. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "Returning Colchester United women's side all set for big kick-off". Gazette. 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
- ^ "Full Results Table". The Football Association. 2024-04-17. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "Promotion the aim for Colchester United Women after stunning start". Gazette. 2023-10-11. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
- ^ "King Appointed Women's Head Coach". www.cu-fc.com. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "Southminster United Ladies vs Colchester United on 19 May 24 - Match Centre - Colchester United". www.cu-fc.com. Retrieved 2024-06-06.
- ^ "Match Report - Chelmsford Cty Women v Colchester United Women". Women's Football East. 2024-04-14. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "Romford Women see cup hopes ended by Colchester United". Romford Recorder. 2024-02-27. Retrieved 2024-04-17.
- ^ "New Home Awaits U's Women". www.cu-fc.com. Retrieved 2023-12-04.