As 2022 draws to a close, it’s been a remarkable year for Sutton United Women and their manager Will Letts.
Having gained promotion to the London and South East Regional Premier Division at the end of last season, the Us find themselves on track for survival at the mid-way point of the campaign.
Considering the side were only adopted into a ‘One Club’ philosophy alongside the men’s team as recently as 2017, it would be seen as quite an achievement – although lifelong Sutton fan Letts is aiming even higher.
“Our expectation is to maintain our status, but going forward we want to push on and really contest the top six,” Letts exclusively told London Football Scene.
“We are not far off that but this division is relentless. However, if we can bridge the gap between now and the end of the season, who knows where we will be.”
Having previously spent four years at the club as men’s Youth Team Assistant Manager, Letts left his role as Dorking Wanderers Ladies manager in March with the determination to create a pathway from Sutton’s burgeoning girls section to the first-team.
Similar to the men’s team, there is a necessity to find a way to succeed on a limited budget with Letts believing his squad has already firmly bought into the overall ethos of Sutton United.
“It has always been about a collective spirit (at this club) that trickles through the management, staff and down to the players,” Letts said.
“The Board is really supportive, understanding the needs of this division and providing training facilities, kits and a sports therapist.
“It’s free football, no subs – everything is there for them apart from a budget so they know even if we can’t give them money for travel or expenses, they are supported.
“The idea is to slowly establish a budget which will enable us to compete with the bigger sides – it’s just unfortunate we are not there yet.”
The club’s hierarchy have also been busy promoting the women’s side off the pitch as well – ensuring all home games are played at Gander Green Lane, providing free entry and pro-actively supporting initiatives such as HerGameToo.
It may still only be the fifth tier of the women’s football pyramid but a clear blueprint is being put in place to ensure Sutton United Women continue to develop successfully and grow for years to come.
Images provided with thanks to Paul Loughlin/Sutton United FC.