Sheppey United will be running a senior women’s team next season.

The Ites’ men’s side, who have been progressing up the leagues in recent years, played in the Isthmian League last season and the club are keen to embrace the growing women’s game too.

A club statement said: “We are all excited to see what the future holds and feel the move will have a positive impact for the club and community.

“By joining with such a well-established club we have high expectations of growth not only for our club, but also for the female game as a whole.”

Club chief executive Shelley Holtam has spoken of her delight at the new team following this week’s announcement.

She told the club: “This news is a fantastic development for female football on the Isle of Sheppey and the wider community, which will further create opportunities for women and girls to become involved with the football club.

“The growth of women’s football is phenomenal and Sheppey United Football Club are delighted to play a small but significant part in helping that begin again here at Holm Park on our state of the art surface.”