Colchester United Ladies FC

The start of February will be an exciting one for women's football fans with the announcement that both Arsenal and Chelsea Ladies of the FA WSL will be heading to Colchester for friendlies against Colchester United Ladies FC, current leaders of the FAWPL South.

Both clubs will be bringing their full first team squads as they prepare for the start of the second season of the WSL, England's exciting new professional women's football league.

First up will be Chelsea Ladies FC who will visit Stanway Rovers Hawthorns ground on Sunday 5th February for a 2.00pm kick off. The Chelsea squad is expected to contain Kate Longhurst who top scored during Colchester's league campaign this season whilst on loan from the Londoners and captain Wales international Kylie Davies who also enjoyed a spell on loan to the U's during the 2009/10 season, as well as up and coming England stars Dani Buet and Carly Telford.

WSL league and cup champions Arsenal Ladies FC will then provide the tough opposition for the Col U Ladies on Thursday 9th February for a 7.30pm kick off. Last season's corresponding friendly between the two sides saw over 400 fans pack the Hawthorns to witness the U's battle bravely before succumbing to a 4-0 defeat to a Gunners side that featured the likes of Rachel Yankey, Katie Chapman, Steph Houghton and Emma Byrne, all of whom are likely to appear again along with Arsenal's array of international talent.

The Colchester United Ladies squad will then wrap up the exciting week of top women's football action with a visit to take on Lincoln Ladies FC on Sunday 12th Feberuary.

CUCST Director of Female Football Kevin Anderson is delighted to have secured the fixtures commenting,

"It is a real honour to be hosting two of the biggest names in world football and certainly two of the countries powerhouses in terms of women's football. Over the past few seasons we have built up good relationships with both clubs and I think how competitve we have been with both of them at the youth levels has earned their respect for the quality of our programme. It will also be a real challenge to visit Lincoln Ladies and take on their fine team. I have said from day one when I came on board that our goal is to be considered among the elite overall programmes in the country and chances like this to test ourselves against the best at the senior level are vital steps towards those ambitions."

As mentioned, over 400 spectators enjoyed last seasons Arsenal visit and Anderson is hoping for bumper crowds again for both this year's home matches.

"It's an exciting opportunity for all football fans in the area to come and see some of the best female footballers in the world in action live. I would like to think that we have some very good players ourselves, I know they will be up for the challenge and we have played attractive, attacking football with success this season so I am sure there will be some outstanding entertainment on offer at both matches."

SUNDAY 5th FEB: Colchester United LFC v Chelsea LFC 2.00pm Kick Off

THURSDAY 9th FEB: Colchester United Ladies FC v Arsenal LFC 7.30pm Kick Off

VENUE: Stanway Rovers FC, New Farm Road, Colchester CO3 0PG

ADMISSION: Adults £4, Concessions £2 available on the day

IN ADVANCE: Tickets can be purchased in advance at the reduced rate of £3 adult, £1.50 concessions from Shrub End Community & Sports Centre, Boadicea Way, Colchester CO2 9BG

MASCOT PACKAGE: Team mascot for either game including admission for mascot and one accompanying adult, ball person for game (optional) and Colchester United shirt signed by members of both teams - £20 (limited number per game)

For mascot package, large groups or other inquiries:

TEL: 01206 216 408
EMAIL: femalefootball@cucst.org.uk
WEB: www,colchesterunitedladiesfc.com