The men’s game as long overshadowed our female companions, but as far as Sheffield United are concerned they have had a women’s side since (at least) 1993 when they played under the name Sheffield Hallam Ladies. More recently, formed in 1998 the Sheffield United Community Ladies FC have represented the Blades but unfortunately do not get the coverage they richly deserve.
In 2012 the SUFC ladies won the North-East League Cup Final and were Champions of the North-East League but sadly, last season was relegated from the Northern Premier League, and played their home games at Kilmarsh Juniors Athletic Club until moving to Swallownest this summer.
In last season’s FA Cup the Community Ladies were knocked out at Morecambe in the second round by four goals to two, having beaten Woolton (2-0) and Blackpool Wren Rovers (3-2) along the way. The Women’s FA Cup has been established since 1971 with Arsenal winning a record 13 times.
In 2000 Bramall Lane was the host for the final with Doncaster Bells losing 2-0 to Croydon. This year marked the first final at Wembley Stadium, won by Chelsea, against finalists Nott's County.
To the best of my knowledge Sheffield has four competitive teams, along with the SUCL, our representatives across the City (Sheffield Wednesday) also have a ladies side whilst there is also Sheffield Ladies FC and Steel City Wanderers FC - whom play at Hillsborough sports complex. Elsewhere locally both Rotherham United and famously Doncaster Rovers represent both the men’s and the women’s game.
This season they will play their home games at Swallownest Miners Welfare (Rotherham Road, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S26 4UR), and by the time they play their first home fixture of the season, this Sunday (4th October - KO: 2pm) against Whitley Bay FC Women, the Bladettes will have already played fixtures at; Brighouse Town Ladies, York City Ladies and Castleford White Rose Ladies.
You can find the Sheffield United Community Ladies FC at their official website; www.sucl.co.uk,as well as on twitter; @SUcomLadiesFC.