There was a party atmosphere at the Hilton last Friday when 500 players and supporters gathered for an evening of food, fun and entertainment to celebrate Watford Ladies FC's 50th birthday and an impressive season.

The awards ceremony recognised the achievements of the players in both the elite and development teams with eight teams playing in semi-finals, five in finals and two becoming champions.

The first team ended their season on a high with a fine run of five straight wins. As part of the prestigious Junior Premier League, the WLFC teams put together a number of impressive cup runs and finished the season in strong league positions. And in the Hertfordshire Girls Football Partnership League two teams reached finals and collected silverware.

Watford Observer:

The Under-16 Harts team

Given the success of the club, which has ambitious plans for the future, it was fitting that part of the evening reflected on the history of the women’s game.

On stage Chris Milligan, presenter of BBC Three Counties Radio, interviewed football pioneer Patricia Gregory who, in 1970, was one of the people responsible for overturning the FA ban on women’s football that had stood since 1921. Taking questions from the players, it was clear the women’s game has come a long way over the past 50 years.

The club’s new life coach Lincoln Beckford entertained the audience with an interactive session and Watford MP Dean Russell told the players they had the power to be future role models, like Gregory, and that he would be watching their progress.

Watford Observer:

Club chairman Andrew Lovelace

Chairman Andrew Lovelace said the club had big ambitions for next season with youth development from Under-5s through to Under18s, elite academy teams and exciting partnership plans to accelerate growth up the football pyramid.

It’s not just about success on the pitch though; WLFC, with its values of player welfare, education, development and excellence, will continue to work with Queens' School and Brunel University on football and educational pathways, adding employment opportunities to improve outcomes for players.