AFTER 20 years without a female team, women’s football looks to be returning to Saltash United, who are aiming to set up a side to enter the Cornwall Women’s League.
Saltash Pilgrims, as they were known, moved en bloc to Plymouth Argyle in the 2001-02 season, including current Plymouth Argyle captain Katie Middleton.
Argyle are the leading force for the women’s game in the region, but Callington Town now have two teams and are joined by Saltash Borough in this fast-growing sport, and Saltash United are now in the mix, meaning more opportunities for aspiring young local players.
To enable the team to get up and running, they have appointed Dave Hengle and Simon ‘Wes’ Westlake to manage the side.
The club issued a statement saying: ‘Saltash United Football Club are keen to explore the possibility of setting up a women’s football team ahead of the 2020-21 Cornwall Women’s League season.
‘Playing at Kimberley Stadium, the Saltash United Women would have access to all the club’s facilities, including the Ashes Media tower and Ashes Bar and Function Suite.
‘The club will provide all post-match hospitality, and football kit/equipment will be supplied.
‘Both young and experienced players will be welcome. However, they must be 16 years of age or above.
‘Are you currently managing a women’s team elsewhere and considering relocation?
‘Or are you a player looking for the opportunity to develop and progress at Saltash United.
‘Are you a local business, looking at getting involved in supporting a local women’s football team?
‘For all enquiries please contact Football Secretary and Club Welfare Officer, Scott Cooksley, at
‘The incorporation of women’s football at Saltash United is the next key stage in the club’s aspirations to support the development of both male and female players in East Cornwall and West Devon.’
The statement continued: ‘Dave Hengle joins the Ashes from Lakeside Athletic Ladies of the Devon Women’s Football League Premier Division, where he has been manager for the last three-and-a-bit seasons.
‘During this time he has finished third and second, and his side were unbeaten up until COVID-19 struck in the season that never was.Dave will be partnered by his co-manager, and former Lakeside Ladies assistant Wes Westlake, who is the manager of Dobwalls FC’s Kitchen Kit South West Peninsula League West Division side.
‘Wes has also had previous management experience with Elburton Villa and Plymstock United.
‘The club is looking forward to working alongside Dave and Wes as it pushes to increase female participation in football at Saltash United.’
Report by Dave Potham