New ladies' football team aims to live up to sponsor's name

With a company name The Perfect Finish, Jay Morton’s painting and decorating business was crying out to sponsor a football team.

Having worked as a sub-contractor for 20 years, Jay set up on her own five years ago, taking on employees along the way, and her all female company now cover the entire south coast.

Along with painting and decorating interiors and exteriors, the company undertakes property maintenance.

It is fitting that the fledgling ladies team found Jay to sponsor them; having set up Eastbourne Women’s FC in the early 90s with two others, Jay was an exceptional centre-back who led by example and earned the respect of teammates and opposition alike. She also holds an FA Junior Coach award.

Now, with a successful business and no longer playing herself, Jay wanted to give back to the community and grassroots football.

The existence of sports teams at this level relies on the generosity of entrepreneurs like Jay and the altruistic work of volunteers to run them. Hayley and Andrew are two such people, giving their time selflessly and without any financial reward. Ex-Millwall Lioness Hayley is club secretary and chief organiser not to mention all the other duties she takes on while Andrew is an experienced footballer who as head coach runs training sessions, coaches players and facilitates the other coaches along with running some of the other teams.

Club coach Steve Hadfield is also instrumental in providing coaching, training and helping to run some of the junior teams.

Already boasting a men’s team, along with a raft of junior boys’ and girls’ teams, there was a vital piece missing from the Pevensey and Westham FC jigsaw puzzle; so the ladies’ team was created.

Set up by Hayley and Andrew to provide a footballing opportunity for women of all ages and levels the team has taken shape rapidly. With nearly 20 women on their books already and five friendlies under their belts the team are flying high.

With a variety of experience and sporting backgrounds everyone brings their own attributes. Training is on a Friday evening from 6-7pm and the women are put through their paces.

Players have said playing and socialising together is like having another family.

Along with the rest of the teams, the ladies’ home ground is Pevensey and Westham Recreation Ground.

Their most recent home match friendly was a 9-a-side on where they gave a good account of themselves against Bexhill Utd Ladies.

The ladies are playing in a 7-a-side match away to Seaford ladies team Premier Utd tomorrow.

Nearly league ready and looking to a bright future, they are also part of a new football family to boot.

Anyone wishing to get involved in the women’s team please contact Hayley on 07730 678857.