International Women's Day | Former Players' Association welcomes female members

This International Women's Day, Swansea City - the only EFL club to include female members in its Former Players' Association (FPA) - is encouraging ex-Swans Ladies players to join the growing organisation.

The FPA exists to unite those who have worn the Swansea City shirt, and who wish to continue or renew their links with the club.

The FPA is free to join and is open to men and women who have represented the club at senior level. 

The club is also keen to hear from relatives and friends of former players who are not online but who might still like to join. 

The association's primary aims are to promote friendship and support, while also taking part in charitable work and fundraising, by bringing together players from different generations and different eras. 

The FPA currently has several former Ladies players registered, and would warmly welcome more former players who wish to join up.

Money raised by fundraising events such as end of season player awards will be used to support local charities and provide a fund for ex-players.

FPA secretary Catherine Thomas said: "I am so proud to be involved in the set up, development and running of the Former Players' Association.

"When it was first formulated, over 18 months ago, one of the first questions that the committee posed was whether to open it up to those who proudly wore the shirt for our women’s team.

"The immediate answer from all of us was a yes. The former Ladies players have been part of the journey we are on together to build the FPA, and have joined us for activities such as memory walks for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, coffee mornings and a heritage even at the site of the old Vetch Field." 

Natalie Ashford, one of Swansea City Ladies' first-ever signings upon the team's formation back in 2002,has welcomed the inclusive approach adding: "I think it’s really good that Swansea are the only club to welcome former female players. It is a step in the right direction for Swansea City and the women’s game.

“Considering the continued growth in the profile of the women's game, certainly compared to when I was playing, this is a brilliant step for the club to take and hopefully it will be one that others will follow.”

Any former Swansea City Ladies who wish to join the FPA can contact secretary Catherine Thomas, on 01792 616420 or email catherinethomas@swanseacity.com.

Alternatively, former players can register HERE.