AFC Fylde men and women will operate under the same club badge
AFC Fylde has confirmed that, as of next season, the club’s ladies’ set-up will operate under the main club crest.
This will be the first time in the club’s history that both sides have shared the same badge, in what the Coasters say is ‘another example of the commitment being put towards the women’s side and the women’s game’.
It was felt this is now an appropriate time to bring together all the teams under one crest, amid the development of Fylde’s women’s operation.
More than 80 players represent AFC Fylde Women, with four teams from U14s to Danny Murphy’s senior side.
The U16s have won all 18 games this season and reached March’s Lancashire County Cup final.
Murphy’s players are undefeated in the North West Women’s Regional League and are in the semi-finals of the Women’s Lancashire FA Senior Cup.
He said: “I know there were certain aspects and reasons as to why there were two separate badges in the past, but we are all one club, we’re in the same building, in the same kit and we’re AFC Fylde.
“If you look at the matches, attendances at the women’s games are increasing and people are recognising that we have a women’s team which is connected with the club.
“We have an owner who massively supports us and I think it’s important to show that we are all together as one.
“The owner has a huge interest in the women’s game and whilst the men’s side is always going to be the heartbeat of any club, we want to be a part of that and we have an owner who wants us to be.
“He’s fully behind the plans we have for the future and he’s shown unbelievable commitment by coming to the games and allowing us to be a huge part of this football club.”
AFC Fylde owner David Haythornthwaite added: “To me, this is an exciting move which makes a lot of sense at an appropriate time.
“When the ladies’ team was first formed in 2016, it was important that they had their own distinguished badge.
“However, as we know, women’s football and the women’s game has increased in popularity and come on leaps and bounds in recent years, and I’m delighted that we’ll be moving under one badge going forward.”