The arrival of a new 3G pitch at Top Park in Ramsbottom being run by Ramsbottom United Juniors, and the necessity for that pitch to be used by players of all ages and genders, meant that the timing was perfect for the formation of Ramsbottom United’s first ever women’s team.

After a conversation at a Rammy United men’s game back in February between Rammy Juniors’ Chairman Gero Liotti and Rammy supporter Katie Worsick the wheels were set in motion.

Speaking at the time Katie said, “As a Rammy fan for 20 years and current player in a women’s football league, if there is going to be a Rammy Women’s team I really want to be involved in setting it up!”

The application to join the Greater Manchester Women’s Football League went in, and training and match slots were booked at Top Park with great help and support from the Rammy Juniors committee. Katie assembled a squad of outfield players, and by the end of June all that was missing was a coach and a goalkeeper! Adverts went out for those two posts and the team was thrilled to appoint experienced coach Glen Taylor as Manager/Coach and sign fantastic young keeper Hattie Simpson.

Sponsors were found for the matchday kits (thanks to Holcombe Tap and Rosebridge), sticking with the traditional Rammy colours of blue (home) and red (away) in a new design from kit supplier Macron’s ladies fit range.

Training began in July, and then the team was ready for Rammy United’s first ever women’s game – a friendly at Top Park on 13th July against Crompton Ladies. It was an entertaining match attended by over 50 people, including many of the “Rammy Ultras”, and an excellent advert for the start of women’s football in the town. Although the Rams went ahead twice, it finished as a 2-2 draw, but Rammy Women’s journey had now really begun!

Afterwards Katie said, “I’m so proud to be playing for my hometown club now. I could never have imagined I’d get this opportunity. We’ve got such a committed and supportive group of players. It’s a great mix from teens through to late forties, including two players who also coach Rammy girls teams”.

“The pathway is now there for girls to go all the way from under 6s to adult at the club and this is just the beginning!”