New entity will join exclusive club

The EVO-STIK League North clubs - in the advance stages of talks to combine their resources since announcing plans to merge in February - will run a women’s programme in parallel with their activities around the men’s game to ensure a new sports club for all.

The proposed merger for season 2018-19 is subject to approval from both the Football Association and Northern Premier League and the clubs have already confirmed it will not affect the next generation of youngsters coming through their respective youth programmes.

In the latest details released for fans and interested parties, the clubs say the new Ossett United women’s team will be based at Albion's Dimple Wells and will be the first to benefit from planned ground improvements including a new UEFA standard 4G pitch, four changing rooms, a purpose-built gym, café and a club shop.

The move will also put the new set-up in an exclusive club alongside the likes of Chelsea Ladies and Manchester City from the FA Women's Super League as one of the few women’s teams in the country with their own facilities.

Women representing both the town's clubs already compete against each other, pictured, and Phil Smith, chief executive of the newly proposed super club, said: “Obviously having a women’s programme is part of the plan, we are building a club for everyone and anyone and women’s football is very much part of the new club and its culture.”

The West Riding County FA's CEO Hannah Simpson backed the plans in the latest joint statement from the clubs on the proposed merger.

“Women’s football in the region is growing stronger every year and we have had some great players produced from team based in West Yorkshire," said Simpson. "With a professional coaching structure in place and a dedicated facility I believe this new club is an exciting prospect and hope that it becomes a club the people of Ossett and surrounding areas can be proud of.”

Jen O’Neill from football magazine and website She Kicks also hailed the plans to promote the women's game under the banner of the new club.

O'Neill added: “While the women’s game goes from strength to strength in the UK, one of the barriers to development for many clubs across the pyramid is the very real struggle for access to facilities, so it’s fantastic news that Ossett United are backing their women’s set-up with both practical and financial resources. We wish them all the best and look forward to watching their progress over the next few seasons.”

Image courtesy of Jon Hirst/Ossett Albion

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague