Fulham to launch pro women's team

Fulham's new professionals practise at Craven Cottage

Fulham Football Club has announced it is to launch England's first professional women's team - with a built-in maternity clause.

The club has offered fixed-term contracts to a number of women which include a provision for time off to have a baby.

Norwegian international midfielder Margunn Haugenes has already been lured to the club, owned by Harrods boss Mohamed al-Fayed.

When the team is complete, the number of squad members will top 16 and is expected to be up and running for the 2000/2001 season.

It is my hope that Fulham Football Club can play a part in building opportunities for women to play professional football in this country

Mohammed al-Fayed

The women will train most weekday afternoons at the club's Motspur Park ground and will receive similar benefits to the men's First Team, including health insurance.

Club chairman Mr al-Fayed said: "After seeing some of the Women's World Cup competition last summer in America, I realised the tremendous potential of women's football.

"It is my hope that Fulham Football Club can play a part in building opportunities for women to play professional football in this country and in time enhance its profile."

Women's amateur teams have been raising their profile in recent years, and the Women's FA Cup final is now televised.

Star player Margunn Haugenes and her baby daughter

Last year's winners Arsenal Ladies will surrender their title this year to either legendary women's team Doncaster Belles or 1998 finalists Croydon.

The two teams contest the final on 1 May at Sheffield United's Bramhall Lane ground.

'Fantastic'

Mick McGuire, assistant chief executive of The Professional Footballers' Association, backed the move.

He said: "We have always supported ladies' football and are happy to offer them exactly the same benefits and support as our current members.

"We are keen to enhance what is already a growing industry and we welcome them on board."

Kelly Simmons, the Football Association's women's game co-ordinator, added: "We think it's fantastic that Fulham are taking the lead and being the first club to support a women's professional team.

"It ties in very nicely with the FA's strategy to establish a women's professional league within the next three years.

"We hope other clubs will look to Fulham and follow suit."