Hartpury University has recently announced the launch of its first senior women’s football team, marking a major milestone in the institution’s commitment to growing the women’s game.
The team are competing in the Women’s Football Pyramid this season, providing a direct pathway for players to progress from college-level football, through university BUCS competition, and into senior weekend football — all within Hartpury’s high-performance environment.
The introduction of the new side aligns with the FA Women’s National League’s newly launched 2025–2028 strategy, Where Our Game Grows, which focuses on strengthening player pathways, enhancing the competitive environment, and developing talent in educational settings.
Leah Burridge, Women’s Football Manager at Hartpury University and College said: “The launch of our senior women’s team is a major step forward for the women’s game at Hartpury, and we’re incredibly proud to align this with the FA Women’s National League’s new strategy, Where Our Game Grows.
“We’re now able to offer a fully integrated pathway all within the same high-performance environment. It means our players can continue their development at every stage without compromising on their education or access to elite-level support.
“This team gives our players a real platform to thrive, and it also gives us the chance to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the women’s game nationally. It’s very exciting, particularly following the recent success of the men’s team. We can’t wait to get started.”
Hartpury have appointed Matthew Waldron as the new Senior Women’s Football Manager and alongside Leah Burridge have recruited a squad ready to compete in their first Gloucestershire County Women’s Football League Division One home game this Sunday 7th September vs Dursley Town Ladies, with a 2.00pm KO.
