Dulwich Hamlet Women to kick off 2019-20 after AFC Phoenix agree to merger

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Dulwich Hamlet will have a women’s team for the 2019-20 season – after AFC Phoenix agreed to a merger.

The side will play in the London and South East Premier Division.

Dulwich Hamlet Women’s games will be played on Sundays and Wednesdays, and all league games will be covered by a DHFC season ticket or priced £4 adults and £2 concessions (U13’s free).

The team will have a full pre-season at Champion Hill, with four consecutive Sunday matches, all 2pm kick-offs. They are – Leyton Orient (July 21), AFC Wimbledon (July 28), Crystal Palace (August 4) and Crawley (August 11).

AFC Phoenix were established in 2010 – formed on Clapham Common. All committee members are either ex-players, coaches or current players. The club have been self-sustained until now.

But after successful meetings with the club, a merger was agreed, paving the way for the first fully fledged DHFCW squad.

Captain Brittany Saylor said: “We are thrilled to become a part of the Dulwich family. The club ethos and community support along with the talent and dedication of our girls is a definite recipe for success. We’re looking forward to continuing our accomplishments under the Dulwich name”

Director Tom Cullen said: ‘It’s never felt right to me as a fan of the club that we didn’t have female representation on the pitch. 

“So when we got back to Champion Hill we made it a priority to fix the imbalance and I’m absolutely delighted to have been able to find such a talented and dedicated team to wear the famous pink and blue.”

Tickets for the friendlies are available to buy here: https://www.seetickets.com/promoter/dulwich-hamlet-f-c-/2231