This appointment follows the recent announcement by the Stones of a new strategy to boost investment into women’s football at the club.

Tori, who is a qualified coach, lives in Maidstone and has been playing at Step 5 with Haringey Borough Women, where she has been their leading goalscorer this season, after previously playing for Charlton Athletic Women and Ipswich Town Women. She was also recently appointed operations manager at Stones in the community – the charity of Maidstone United Football Club.

Maidstone United Women currently play at Step 7 but the aim is to earn promotions as quickly as possible to Step 5 and then Step 4 of the women’s game and become one of the strongest women’s football clubs in the county.

Tori said: “I am delighted to be joining Maidstone United and helping the women’s first-team improve further. There are so many good people already at the club and I am optimistic for the forthcoming season. There is a real buzz about the place and we want to play an attractive style of football, which will lead us to success.

“It’s important for the women to have a strong fan base as the crowd really do become the 12th player on match days. I’m excited to see many Stones fans there cheering the women’s team on and backing us as we look for promotion next season.”

In addition to big changes on the playing side, the club are seeking sponsors for this exciting new venture. To find out more, email operations director Bob Gouldson.

The club also wishes to place on record our thanks and appreciation for all the many volunteers who have and continue to support women and girls’ football, under the leadership of John Jackson, who continues to oversee the various youth and community girls’ teams.