Gillingham Ladies have launched a bid to join the Women's Super League.

The Football Association aim to increase the number of teams in the top flight of women's football and Gills want to be part of it.

Gillingham Ladies currently play in the Southern Premiership - with home games at Chatham's Maidstone Road ground - and in the past two seasons have faced Super League Chelsea and the all-conquering Arsenal.

The FA are seeking applications for a remodelled league from 2014, with participation rising from eight teams to 20 split into two divisions.

To seek election, Gillingham must show a high standard of commercial, marketing and community programmes, adequate levels of management and organisation and a high-quality infrastructure.

A club spokesperson said: "We need local businesses to get on board with sponsorship - no matter how big or small.

"The FA will support the clubs with £30,000 funding per season. However, the club must find the finances to either match or better the FA contribution.

"It is estimated the average cost of a team competing in WSL League 2 will be around £75,000 per season.

"It is expected that in year one, the club must have an average gate of around 250 per game.

"The more we can get in toward the end of the season the stronger it will make our application."