C&K Basildon Ladies are making history this weekend as they step out onto the field a Women’s Premier League team – nine years into a phenomenal ten-year-plan.

The women’s club was languishing at the foot of the lowest Essex County Women’s League division in 2005, but less than a decade later and following a run of five promotions in nine years, the women are preparing to rub shoulders with the best in the business in the South Eastern Combination League.

The likes of Ipswich, Norwich City and Crystal Palace Ladies await this year, but first come Bedford Town Ladies – visitors at the Selex Sports & Leisure Club this Sunday.

Managing director Peter King says the club’s development has been “tremendous”, and was also full of praise for C&K’s development squad.

“The forthcoming season is full of excitement and expectation. We have two very strong sides now that play attractive football and represent a club that is famed for its hospitality and sporting spirit.

“We recognise this is just another step in our overall ambition to become a Women’s Super League side.”

The club has retained the services of first-team manager John Hinz, first-team coach Steve Tilson and hired Paul Miller, formerly Hutton Ladies manager, to oversee the development team.

C&K are now aiming to progress this season, with an impressive squad of 35 players, and have impressed in pre-season, visiting Malta to share their knowledge of the game and play against the under-19 Maltese national team.

Kick-off this Sunday is at 2pm.