Local football club Frome Town United has come to the aid of Frome Town Women after the team was left without a venue for their scheduled matches at Badger’s Hill Stadium.
This follows recent changes at Badger’s Hill, home to both Frome Town AFC and Frome Town Women (FTW). Westbury United FC, facing severe financial difficulties, reached an agreement to groundshare the stadium with Frome Town AFC until the end of the season after being unable to fulfil their fixtures at their own ground. As a result of “a number of competing logistical adjustments,” Frome Town Women say they had to find an alternative venue for their league match against Paulton Rovers Ladies on 23rd February at short notice.
Through their existing close partnership with FTW, Frome Town United – Frome’s local junior football club – came to the rescue, providing FTW with the facilities they needed at Selwood Academy’s 3G pitch. The new venue will allow the team to continue their season without disruption.
FTW manager Ben Bolland, who also serves as Head of Girls’ Football at FTU, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Female football has grown amazingly in Frome in the past few years, and there’s clearly a lot of passion for it in Frome. We’re incredibly thankful to Frome Town United for their quick support and generosity.”
FTW continue to thrive as a key part of the town’s expanding women’s football scene. Since its formation in 1980, the team has played an integral role in promoting opportunities for girls and women in the sport. Interest in the team surged following the Lionesses’ historic Euros victory in 2022, inspiring even more local players to get involved. Over 110 junior girls now play football with Frome Town United every week and there are now 22 players signed to the women’s team, eight of whom have progressed from Frome Town United.
In a statement to the Frome Times, FTW Captain Keira-Leigh Underhill said “We remain focused on moving forward, developing the female pathway in Frome, and playing great football. For the team, we’re really looking forward to the game on Sunday and having a successful second half to the season.”
FTW manager Ben added, “This collaboration highlights the strength of partnership within Frome’s footballing community, supporting every player to have the opportunity to continue their journey in the game. There are still challenged ahead, but with continued support and open communication between clubs, the future of women’s football in Frome looks to be going from strength to strength.
FTW stated that they looked forward to following up with the Community Benefit Society (CBS) that runs Frome Town’s ground, Badger’s Hill, to ensure open communication going forward and to reduce the chance of games being moved at short notice. They also expressed their gratitude for the support shown to the team and to women’s football.
CBS chairman Max, stated, “As chairman, I am wholeheartedly committed to supporting the women’s team and the continued growth of women’s football in Frome. I am disappointed by the recent situation and want to make it clear that, under my leadership, the CBS will always ensure that Frome Town Women’s team has a place at Badger’s Hill. This stadium remains their home, and we are dedicated to fostering an environment where all teams can thrive.”
A spokesperson for Frome Town AFC, Gary Collinson echoed this and said he wanted to see “every team in Frome being successful.”
Around 70 people attended the 23rd February match against Paulton Rovers Ladies, which FTW won 3-0. To keep up to date with future matches, go to https://www.facebook.com/frometownladies
