Oakham United FC is set to launch its first adult women's team as part of a number of exciting initiatives designed to enhance the clubs community engagement opportunities.

The women's team is in the early stages of development and will only press ahead if sufficient numbers of women are willing to commit ahead of the 2019-2020 season.

Club chairman Thomas Beach told Oakham Nub News: "Women's football is probably the fastest growing sport in terms of participation with numbers ever-increasing over the last five years or so.

"The England Women's team have been adopted to the country's hearts in their quest to cheer them on to bring football home.

"Our proud club Oakham United aspires to be a fully inclusive environment for the county of Rutland to adopt into their hearts and minds.

"We want to ensure anyone, regardless of gender, is afforded the opportunity to take to the pitch and be a part of the Oakham United pathways.

"Initial enquires have shown that there is an appetite in Rutland to bring women's football to fruition.

"We have the coaching staff identified, we just need a committed squad of 22 players to make the idea a reality."

The women's team plans follow on from Oakham United's recent announcement that it will be launching a supporters' club next season.

Joining costs £10 for adult members and £5 for juniors and there are membership benefits, including discounts at retail outlets throughout Rutland.

Leading retailers Lands' End has already agreed to offer 25% discount to Oakham United club members and Two Chimps Coffee is offering a 10% discount on all purchases. Other companies are being approached.

There will also be a discount on using Oakham United FC facilities for functions.

Matchday sponsors will have free automatic membership.

Other ideas in the pipeline include setting up a car-sharing scheme to away games, a monthly newsletter and a club shop to order Oakham United merchandise.

Oakham United senior teams will be returning for pre-season training from Wednesday (19 June) at the club's ground from 6.30pm. New players are welcome to attend.

• For more information about the women's adult team, and to sign up, contact the club by emailing [email protected].