Basildon United Ladies had two reasons to celebrate this week.
Their first excuse to crack open the bubbly was belated promotion to Division One of the Essex County FA's Women's League.
The late promotion -- Basildon finished third in Division II, one point behind the second automatically-promoted team -- came about by a resolution passed at the Essex Association's AGM following the team numbers being swelled by two new clubs.
The new clubs come from the Colchester and Maldon, while up to four more teams may still apply for league status prior to the June deadline.
A league spokesman said: "This is proof indeed that female football is the fastest growing sport in the country."
One of these four, in fact, could be Basildon United Ladies themselves.
After the promotion they would be allowed to field a second team, and if they continue to attract new players they will seriously consider fielding a reserve team.
That will depend on a manager stepping forward to join the flourishing club.
Team secretary Bob Gower said: "Applications to join the team before Friday, June 27, would secure a place in the successful squad, and determine the number of teams to represent the town next season."
Derbies will be a big feature of Basildon's 2003/04 campaign as their promotion means they will be pitted against opposition such as Billericay, East Thurrock, and Chelmsford. Prospective players and officials should call Gower on 077393 70056.
Published Thursday, June 19, 2003
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