FA Women’s Championship club Durham have confirmed that they will adopt a full-time operating model for the 2022/2023 season.
FAWSL Full-Time were informed of the news via an official club press release this morning.
The news comes as no real surprise with The Wildcats having put down strong foundations for the transition to a full-time operating model in the last couple of years. The club have revealed that several members of last season’s squad have dedicated their services to the club for next season, although some players will move on to retain part-time careers.
Speaking following the announcement, Durham manager Lee Sanders said “This is a hugely positive step and the natural one for the club to take as we look to build on the successes we have had in recent seasons.
“It’s the right thing to do for the players and our staff and gives the younger players at the club the knowledge that this is something they can pursue as a career at Durham.
“Naturally, there will be some player movement as a consequence of the decision – not everyone can train during the day – and we of course will thank those players for their time spent at the club.
“However, we are excited about new players who will come in and be announced in due course – as well as the promotion of young players from within the club pathway.”
Durham were founder members of the old FA Women’s Super League 2 in 2014. The club have continued to operate in the second tier ever since but they have ambitions of reaching the promised land of the Barclays FA Women’s Super League in the coming years.