TWO NEW football teams in our area took to the pitch in their first ever match on Sunday, May 12. 

Malmesbury Victoria Women FC took on Blunsdon FC at Sutton Park on Sunday. 

Malmesbury won 6-0 with the goals coming from Laura Deacon (3), Emma Sharpe (2), and Rose Anjos (1).

The game - the first match for either side - has been hailed as a huge step for women's football in the area. 

Malmesbury head coach and team goalkeeper Rhianon Stidever said: “We started playing together less than 12 months ago as a small group of football enthusiasts from both footballing and non-footballing backgrounds.

“Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated committee members, as well as the commitment shown by our players, we are now in a position to enter Wiltshire Women’s League in September.

“This is a huge step for women’s football in Malmesbury and we could not be more proud of what we have achieved so far.”

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Malmesbury and Blunsdon played their first game“We would not be where we are without the support given to us by our sponsor Aptus Professional Accountants who has funded our match day kit.

“I’d also like to thank Malmesbury Victoria FC and Malmesbury Youth FC for their unwavering support over the last 12 months. 

“We would also like to extend our thanks to Blunsdon Ladies FC who hosted us last Sunday.

“They were brilliant hosts and we are very excited to join the Wiltshire Women’s League alongside them in September. 

“For me, Sunday’s game wasn’t just a football match, it was a respectful nod towards the exponential growth of women’s football in this county, which can only be a positive thing and something both teams can be very proud of.“

Blunsdon FC manager Kirsty Baker.said: “The growth of women's football is truly inspiring and it was on full display during the pre-season friendly between us and Malmesbury Victoria Women FC.

"It was great to see two teams displaying enjoyment, positive attitudes and love for the game. There were smiles all round!

"As the manager of Blunsdon FC Ladies, I am thrilled to see more and more women getting involved in football.

"The match was a fantastic opportunity for the Blunsdon Ladies to showcase our progress and continue to build as a team.

"It was a memorable day filled with passion and skill, and I am proud to be a part of such a thriving and inclusive community of female footballers.”

Both teams are keen to recruit new players and if interested contact malmesburyvwfc@gmail.com or visit www.blunsdon-fc.co.uk