Old Actonians Ladies History
23 Oct 2008

"Founded as Chiswick United in 1999 by Mr Everoy Johnson the team entered the league in Div 3 West. The team finished a respectable third in its first season and was improving rapidly. For the second season CUFC acquired more experienced players and finished runners up and got promotion to Div 2. Division 2 proved tough and we just managed to stay up on goal difference. For this season a reserve team was also entered in reserve division 2 but struggled for players and had to forfeit many games.

Season 2002/2003 saw Linda Fox take over as player manager and a much improved side finished third in Div 2 and also enjoyed great cup runs, reaching the semi final of the Russell Cup and winning The Middlesex Junior Cup after an exciting final against Barnet FC. We were now backed up by a strong reserve team who, managed by Marvin Barbe, finished fourth in reserve division 2 and reached the semi-final of the Sue Sharples Cup. Things looked promising for the future.

In the summer of 2003 an offer to join Acton Sports Club could not be refused and the team joined 6 men’s sides and 5 junior teams and changed their name. This set us up for bigger and better things and season 2003/2004 the 1st team won Division 2 and got promotion to Div 1. The reserve team also worked hard to improve under Marvin's capable guidance. 2004/2005 was another successful season for the 1st team who finished runners up in Div 1and were promoted again. The reserves had a hard year unfortunately due to the loss of many key players to injury or retirement. In 2005/2006 the 1st team kept up their winning form and finished as Champions of the London & South East Div 1 and gained a third successive promotion to the Premier division. The reserves also competed at the top of their division and finished fourth. With Dene Ramsden taking charge In 2006/2007 the 1st team exceeded expectations and finished runners up behind a very strong Lewes side. A disappointing end to the 2007/2008 season saw the 1st team finish third, only 1 point behind the champions Tottenham Hotspur! The Reserves had their best season ever and also finished 3rd and reached the final of the Sue Sharples Cup for the first time under the guidance of Ben Boateng.

In the summer of 2008 the decision was made to up sticks again and the team moved a few hundred meters up the road to join long standing club Old Actonians FC. Having been made to feel very welcome there we enjoy being part of the club and the use of the excellent pitch and clubhouse. Our first season at the club was moderately successful the highlight being another cupfinal appearance for the reserves in the Russel Cup this time under the management of Matthew Ede.

2009/2010 was a good year for the first team as Natalie Huntley lead the team to promotion to the South East Combination after clinching the L&SE Premier division title on the last day of the season in dramatic fashion. The reserves had a solid year as well and finished 3rd in div 3 South winning promotion to div 2.

With both teams in higher divisions 2010/2011 was tough but both teams reached their targets of staying up so overall must be seen as a success. Both teams also came under new management half way through the season with Rob Baker taking charge of the first team assisted by Dan Chitty and Hylroy Bramble taking charge of the reserves.

For 2011/2012 we look to consolidate our league positions and try and establish ourselves at this level and look forward to an enjoyable season!