Bournemouth Sports Women - A Community Club Making Huge Strides

Photography by Vic Photos

Bournemouth Sports Women may sit eight in the table with sixteen points, but this season represents one of real of progress and change amongst this Bournemouth side. Currently sitting just 4 points of last season’s final tally, with a huge seven league games remaining, this is undoubtedly a club who are making huge steps in the right direction.

Off the pitch, this Bournemouth Sports side is a huge part of the local area and was originally formed back in only 2013 to provide women in the local area with more opportunities to play and get involved with football. From there, the club has grown steadily and the fact that they can now boast two teams – a reserve team and a first team who is highly competitive in Tier 4 is testament to all the work that has been done behind the scenes at the club.

Furthermore, they play their home games at Chapel Gate which is located at Bournemouth University’s sports campus – another sign of how integrated the side is within the local community.

This season, Bournemouth Sports have mastered the art of grinding out results and picking up points in the crucial moments. For example, 4 of their 5 league victories this season have been with a margin of just 1 goal illustrating their ability to pick up points even when the game is close.

Much of their success can be attributed to some standout individual performances. Katie Kingshott has been hugely impressive this season. Originally a full back, she came into this season full of confidence following her incredible tally last season which saw her net 5 goals and pick up a truly staggering eleven opposition Player of the Match awards and the player of the season award. Having previously played for AFC Bournemouth and Southampton Women, she has truly made her mark on this Bournemouth Sports and has continued this impressive form this season already picking up 3 opposition player of the match awards.

Another crucial player has been midfielder and top goalscorer Elle Elkins who joined the side at the start of this season. As well as national league experience, Elkins has also added creativity to the side which has resulted in her contributing 7 goals and assists combined and picking up 3 opposition player of the match awards for her standout performances

As they continue to improve this season, Bournemouth Sports are undoubtedly a team to keep an eye on. Not only have they demonstrated an impressive ability to find crucial points on the pitch, but their growth off the pitch has also equally impressive and reflects the sustainable model that they are trying to build.