Stadium deal boost for Belles
DONCASTER Rovers Belles' bid to join the new Women's Super League has received a double boost, writes Paul Goodwin.
The club has agreed a deal with bosses at the Keepmoat Stadium to play all their matches inside the main arena, should they get the go-ahead from the Football Association to join the league.
The Belles' application also includes plans to join forces with Sheffield University to help nurture the best young female players in the county.
Clubs have until December 19 to submit their bids to the FA.
Belles boss John Buckley said: "We're absolutely delighted to have got the go-ahead to play in the main stadium.
"The Keepmoat Stadium would give us one of the best playing surfaces and some of the best facilities in the new league.
"It's a big boost to our bid."
He added: "Teaming up with Sheffield University will give our young ones the chance to go there and use the campus facilities.
"It's similar to the link up Leeds Carnegie have with Leeds Metropolitan University so it's very pleasing to be able to offer that as part of our package."
Lincoln Ladies FC this week announced their plans to join the new semi-professional eight team division, set for kick off in the summer of 2011.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton - the current heavyweights of the women's game - would appear as certainties to feature.
It is also thought that men's Premier League giants Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City could be preparing bids.
The cash-strapped Belles stayed afloat by the skin of their teeth last year after local people and businesses rallied around the club.
Entry into the Super League would see the club benefit from an annual 70,000 payout from the FA.
The new competition will run from March to October to minimise the clash with the men's game.
Meanwhile, Belles' Premier League clash at Blackburn last weekend was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
The sides will try again on Sunday.
l There is still time to register your support for the Belles' Super League application.
Simply log onto www.doncasterroversbelles.co.uk and follow the link.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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