The club intends to raise the profile of their women’s first-team to a level more aligned with that of the men’s first-team, playing in the National League. From season 2024/25, the club intends to appoint a new distinct first team coaching staff, reporting directly to the club board. In due course the club may request interested, qualified parties to come forward.

The club will also be seeking support and sponsorship for the women’s first-team from its existing and and from new business partners.

As part of the change the club wishes also to raise the playing performance of the community teams, from under-9s through to under-18s, which will from next season hold trials to attract the best players possible in the area. These teams will continue to be organised and managed by John Jackson.

All current team managers and those involved in the section will be consulted in due course regarding the details of the planned changes.

Co-owner Oliver Ash said: “The club wishes to place on record their sincere thanks to all those who have so far given time and great effort to working as volunteers with the women and girls teams. We welcome your support and help going forwards. As women’s football in general grows in importance these changes are intended to enable the Stones women and girls to contribute even more to the club’s high profile in years to come.”

The club have appointed Zach Foster-Crouch as Community Football Co-ordinator to oversee all women and girls football at the club with particular responsibility for driving these changes.