Draft:Colchester United W.F.C.

Colchester United Womens Football Club, commonly referred to as The U's unless distinguishing themselves from the men's team, is an English women's association football club based in the city of Colchester, Essex, England formed in July 2023. The club plays in Division Two of the Essex County Women’s Football League, the ninth level of the English womens football league system.

History
After a ten-year absence of a women's football team at Colchester following the folding of Colchester United L.F.C., Colchester United Football in the Community unveiled plans to reform a women's team in time for the 2023/24 season in June 2023. Trials were held at Shrub End Sports Ground over three consecutive weeks, with successful players being informed of their position in July 2023. The founding of Colchester United W.F.C was confirmed at CUFC's Annual Open Day held at the Colchester Community Stadium on Sunday 16th July along with the appointment of Luke Worley as head coach.

Pre-season friendlies took place during August 2023.

2023/24 Campaign
The team's first match of the season took place against Chelmsford City Reserves on Sunday 10th September, The U's winning 11-0. The U's completed the seasion undefeated in all division matches.

Coach Luke Worley stepped down from the role of head coach in December 2023, with Simon King filling the position in February 2024

The team successfully entered Round Three of the BBC Essex County Cup following victories over Frontier Ladies First (3-0) and Toby Ladies First (2-0) but suffered a 8-0 defeat to FA National League side Billericay Town Women Reserves.

The U's defeated Southminster United Ladies First on 19th May 2024 in the League Cup Final (winning 6-0), after beating Premier Division team Chelmsford City Women in the semi-final. This meant that they secured the Double in their first season in addition to being undefeated in all league matches.

Colours and Crest
The team plays in the same kit as worn by the men's team to represent equality and value across both disciplines. For the 2023/24 Season, the home shirt consists of a modern take on the Club's traditional blue and white striped design, while the away shirt is yellow with narrow blue stripes around the collar, sleeves and underarms, inspired by the mens team's historic success in the 2005/6 season. As with the men's team, the home and away kits are sponsored by Workhorse Group for the 2023/24 season.

Stadium
Despite originally planning to host matches at their Shrub End training ground, it was announced on 12th September 2023 that their new home ground would be at Colchester Garrison, with full access to the covered seating area and clubhouse before and after matches.

First-team squad
The squad was unveiled at the end of July 2023.

Coaching Staff

 * Head Coach: Simon King
 * Assistant Head Coach: Milly Morgan
 * Goalkeeping Coach: Carl Oliver