Ashford United have introduced a women’s team as owner Don Crosbie continues to carry out his vision for the club.

The team will compete in Division 1 of the London South East Regional League next season.

They’re not the only new side at Homelands, with the Nuts & Bolts also launching an under-12 disability team.

“We believe this serves as a positive step in the right direction at Ashford United and our intentions are to strive towards more commitments within our local community,” Crosbie told the club website.

With Ashford given planning permission for ground improvements earlier this year, the club are well-placed to keep growing.

They’re up to 24 teams with the addition of the women’s and disability sides.

“It has always been my intention to make Ashford a centre of excellence for football and fitness for all our promising stars and, just as important, anyone who wished for a fitter lifestyle,” said Crosbie.

“Facilities are everything these days and without the tools, one only succeeds to a certain level and degree.

“With the great support of our local Ashford Borough Council, we shall soon have two excellent new 3G pitches to help cater for our fast-growing football hub.

“The success is growing and is infectious but it’s not all about the top team successes as we nurture all abilities to strive for their best levels of achievement.

“By supporting four levels of standards, as in district levels, East Kent levels, Kent League levels and Isthmian levels, everyone has the opportunity of working to the highest possible level for them.

“This now includes the girls and Ashford United ladies, which we are absolutely thrilled to have fully subscribed and greatly supported.

“Our last element, and indeed one of the hardest to achieve, is to fully support our disability group, proving we are indeed a fully inclusive club.”