Real Bedford Ladies F.C are a football club who play in the FA Women's National League. They play their home games at McMullen Park in Bedford and are nicknamed The Pirates. They won back-to-back promotions in 2023–24 and 2024–25 to reach the third tier of English women's football. After many years of independence under the name Bedford Ladies and Girls F.C, they have been associated with men's team Real Bedford F.C. since 2022.
 | |
| Nickname | The Pirates |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1996 |
| Ground | Ledger Stadium, McMullen Park |
| Chairperson | Jill Upton |
| Manager | Charlie Bill |
| League | FA Women's National League South |
| 2025–26 | FA Women's National League South, 6th of 12 |
| Website | http://www.realbedford.com |
History
editThey were founded as Bedford Ladies and Girls F.C in 1996. They played their home games at Allen Park before moving to McMullan Park. In 2014 they reached the FA Women's Premier League Division One.[1]
In June 2022 it was announced that Bedford Ladies and Girls would go into partnership with men's team Real Bedford F.C.[2][3]
Dean Perrett was appointed as manager for the 2023–24 season, however he left his role in November by mutual consent. Georgia Clarke was then announced as interim manager.[4][5] Real Bedford Ladies reached the first round proper of the Women's FA Cup, losing to Billericay Town 0–2,[6] and won promotion from the Eastern Regional League Premier Division, ending an eight year spell outside the FA Women's National League.[7] Real Bedford Ladies secured a treble by defeating AFC Dunstable Ladies 5–0 in the County Cup and Wroxham Ladies 4–2 in the League Cup.[8]
Charlie Bill was unveiled as the new permanent manager, and Real Bedford Ladies won promotion from the FA Women's National League Division One South East at the first attempt in the 2024–25 season, to reach the third tier of women's football. They clinched the title with an 11–1 victory over London Seaward.[9][10] It marked a double success for Real Bedford as the men's team also won promotion from their league that season.[11] Real Bedford Ladies also won the County Cup, beating Luton Town 5–0 in the final at Kenilworth Road.[12]
Current squad
edit- As of 9 April 2026[13]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
Honours
editLeague
- FA Women's National League Division One South East (level 4)
- Winners 2024–25
- Eastern Region Women's Football League Premier Division (level 5)
- Winners 2013–14, 2023–24
- Eastern Region Women's Football League Division 1 West (level 6)
- Winners 2006–07
Cup
- Eastern Region League Cup
- Winners 2023–24
- Bedfordshire Women's Senior Cup
- Winners 2014–15; 2017-18; 2018-19; 2020-21; 2021-22; 2023-24; 2024-25; 2025-26
References
edit- ↑ "About Us". realbedford.com. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ↑ Frith, Wilf (22 June 2022). "Real Bedford FC partner with Bedford Ladies & Girls". She Kicks. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ↑ Carr, Tom (29 May 2023). "Bedford Ladies FC officially complete Real Bedford merger". Bedford Independent. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ↑ "Dean Perrett appointed as Real Bedford Ladies FC first team manager". realbedford.com. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ↑ "Club Statement Dean Perrett". realbedford.com. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ↑ "Match Report – Real Bedford Ladies v Billericay Town Women". womensfootballeast. 12 November 2023. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ↑ Carr, Tom (28 April 2024). "Real Bedford Ladies beat Luton Town to win Eastern Region Women's Football League". Bedford Independent. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ↑ Carr, Tom (19 May 2024). "Real Bedford hold on to beat Wroxham and win historic treble". Bedford Independent. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
- ↑ Carr, Tom (7 August 2024). "Watch: Real Bedford Ladies aiming for the top under new manager Charlie Bill". Bedford Independent. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ↑ Carr, Tom (13 April 2025). "Real Bedford Women dismantle London Seaward to win Women's National League title". Bedford Independent. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ↑ "Real Bedford men and women promoted in same weekend". BBC Sport. 14 April 2025. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
- ↑ Carr, Tom (21 March 2025). "Real Bedford Women thrash Luton Town to win County Cup". Bedford Independent. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
- ↑ ""Real Bedford Women's Team"". Real Bedford. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
External links
edit- Real Bedford Ladies Fixtures & Results The FA.com