Walden Town Ladies - History

Formed in 1997 when local man Chris Rulten was encouraged by daughters Kristie and Karen to set up a women’s team, the club spent the first year of existence in training and playing practice matches. Interest for women’s football grew and there were enough players signed on to enable Walden to enter into the Eastern Region League Division 2 for the 1998-99 season. Fortunes that season were mixed when enthusiasm calmed and the numbers dwindled however the spirit of the team was always evident and regardless of winning 1-0 or losing 8-0 the team stuck together in their debut season and finished a credible 5^th out of 9, thanks largely to the goals of Andi Wright.

The 1999-2000 season was a completely different story with new faces added to the squad (pictured right) ncluding former Spurs player Hannah Rushforth and ex West Ham Ladies player Julia Lockley. Many of the original players also stayed on for what was to be the most successful period in the clubs short history as the formidable striking partnership of Andi Wright and Julia Cornell helped score the goals which fired Walden to the league championship that season having been undefeated all year and only dropping two points in the process. Success on the field brought recognition to several of the players who were called up to represent Essex Ladies at County level whilst off the field an important deal was struck whereby Carr and Bircher Skip Hire agreed to provide sponsorship for the following season enabling new kits to be purchased in the familiar red and black of the town. As a self sufficient team independently responsible for its own finances, without this financial backing the team would not be able to exist.

Promotion to the first division wasn’t easy for the Walden ladies though and they struggled to recapture the form that lead to them being crowned champions. Long distance away games led to the decision to leave the Eastern Regions league to compete in the Essex Women’s League for the following season. Meanwhile Chris Rulten decided that he had taken the team as far as he could and relinquished his role as club manager. The position was to be filled on a temporary basis by Mick Eldred with Peter Rule as club secretary whilst a permanent manager was sought. Five years on though both have remained loyal to the club and are an important fixture for the ladies team.

The start of the 2004-2005 season saw one Walden Ladies team become two as a ‘B’ team was established and entered into the second division of the Essex League.

Season 2005-06 proved to be Waldens best season since their Championship triumph as the first team finished 3^rd in the league and reached the semi finals of the league cup. Meanwhile the B team under the managerial wing of Colin Long (left) struggled to find their feet though pulled enough results together to ensure they were to play 2^nd division football for the 2006-07 campaign.