Rebels to run ladies team next season

Burling’s team, who operated under the name of Worthing Minor last season, have joined forces with Rebels to use their facilities for training and home match days from next season.

Minors used to play their games at Worthing’s Rotary ground but lost a number of players as they were unable to progress out of the South East Counties Division.

But after reaching this agreement, Burling believes his newly-formed Worthing ladies team can build a lasting legacy.

He said: “It’s been tough for us for several years, losing a number of players to Brighton and Lewes.

“The main issue was our facilities but now we will operate under Worthing Football Club’s name and be able to offer a better place to train and play to the squad.

“It’s also a chance for me to try to keep hold of our most talented players, hopefully by training at Woodside Road we’ll be able to do this.

“I was with the Minors team from the age of under-nine and we still have two originals from that team.

“In my time, I’ve seen so many move on and the biggest factor was the quality of playing surface and facilities at our old Worthing Rotary home.

“I’m delighted George (Dowell) and Calvin (Buckland) have agreed to this and we now want to keep building as a team.”

Worthing Football Club general manager Calvin Buckland is pleased to have a ladies team on board, and with an under-18 team as well, he believes it is a great time for Rebels.

He said: “It’s great to have a ladies team now here at Worthing.

“Myself and George (Dowell) will let them carry on as they were before but should they need any advice, we will be happy to offer it to them.

“We’ve got a real community feel in Worthing now and I think a ladies team was much needed, if I’m honest.”

LEWIS MASON