AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth are delighted to confirm that the women’s team has been brought under the direction of the football club.
The switch sees the Cherries side move under the stewardship of Bill Foley’s ownership, having previously been overseen by the Community Sports Trust.
Head of community and women’s first-team manager Steve Cuss will continue in his position managing the side following the integration.
Significant investment into the women’s team will continue, with plans already in place to see the side based at the Cherries’ new training complex at Canford Magna, which is currently under construction.
Further to the financial investment, the move will see an increased number of women’s team matches played at Vitality Stadium from the 2023/24 campaign.
There are currently 180 women and girls playing football under the AFC Bournemouth banner, and the club will look at ways in which it can increase its engagement in this area.
AFC Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said: “Ever since Bill took over the football club, he has been passionate and vocal about wanting to grow every area of AFC Bournemouth, from our men’s team to our women’s team, including our youth development, and this is another big step towards achieving that.
“Steve has done an outstanding job with the women’s team over the years, which was evident in their impressive Hampshire Senior Cup win at the end of last season.
“We now look forward to further development of our women’s team as we progress into this new and exciting chapter.”
Speaking to afcb.co.uk, Cuss said: “We are passionate about supporting the development of AFC Bournemouth women’s team.
“I’m delighted that this move to bring the team under the club umbrella will provide greater support as it looks to continue its progression.
“It’s an exciting time and we are grateful to Bill Foley for this show of support.”
