Southampton announce full-time switch following promotion | OneFootball

Southampton have announced the news that their women’s football programme will turn full-time this summer as the club prepare for their debut season in the FA Women’s Championship.

The Saints were promoted to the second tier with a 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Women’s National League Championship Play-Off Final in Stockport on Saturday. Sophia Pharoah netted the only goal of the game in the first half at Edgeley Park.

With Southampton now preparing for a first season in the elite game, the club have today announced their decision to go full-time professional. As a result, the club will use the facilities at Staplewood Campus and receive the very best support.

Speaking following the announcement, manager Marieanne Spacey-Cale said “The change in status for Southampton FC Women from part-time to full-time is an exciting one.

“We are aware of the challenge moving into the Championship will bring on the pitch, so having quality time with the squad based at Staplewood will support this transition and give us a good chance to settle into the league.

“The Club are extremely supportive of this transition into full-time and have been all in getting the application process and the detail right to ensure this can happen for season 2022/2023 in the Women’s Championship.”

Southampton have only operated as a senior women’s team since the 2017/2018 season. The club started out with strong ambitions of reaching the women’s elite game and they have finally made that dream a reality. The Saints will now hope to be competitive in the FA Women’s Championship before pushing on towards the top level of the women’s game.