Abingdon United Women extended its teams in summer 2024, with an Under 10, Under 14, Under 17, Under 18, Development and First Team now in operation at the football club, showing a commitment to further opportunities for women and girls in the footballing world, both on and off the pitch.

However, our development side were already formed before that in 2023, having finished 7th in the Southern Region Women's Football League Division One North in its first season.

Led by Jon Ward and Paul Biddle, our development team is a huge part of our success at Abingdon United. It gives United the chance to compete in another league and cup competitions, whilst also providing another platform for women and girls in senior football. Many have progressed to the first team, whilst others have transitioned from youth football to senior football via our development side.

Abingdon United Women Development captain Beth Hawtin explained the importance of our development side at the club.

"It's a great pathway up to the first team," she began.

"It allows you to start your women's football career.

"Women's (senior) football is quite a different game, a bit more physical. It gets you used to that side of the football before pushing on. It's a good start basis."

Amelie Sadler, Olivia Ward and Frida Ives have all progressed from our U18's to our development team since our team began. The trio have made 85 appearances between them in the development side.

Hawtin said: "You've got the opportunity to push forward and go onto the higher leagues and help out the first team as we've seen many players do.

"The opportunities are there. You can get looked at and push up into the first team. It's a good starting point to get there."

Mimi Hodges and Freya Gilmore both made the step up to our First Team in the FA Women's National League this season, having impressed in the development team during the 2023/24 campaign.

Freya was Player of the Match in our opening fixture of the 2024/25 campaign against Bridgwater United, and has now made 24 first team appearances for the club.

Mimi has made 21 first team appearances with 2 goals, having been prolific in front of goal for our development side last season.

Recent weeks have also seen development players Jess Southey, Iva Georgievska, Maisie Moore and Georgie Hartley in first team training.

"There's loads of opportunities and good coaching here. It's a great environment with lots of friendly people, to have a lot of fun."

Trials for the 2025/26 season will commence in June, with dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

If you're interested in joining any of our teams ahead of the new campaign, please contact abingdonutdwfc@gmail.com to show your interest.