Bend it like Bournemouth

You may already be familiar with the stars of AFC Bournemouth, but how much do you know about their women’s team? Andy Greeves caught up with four of their players to find out more

Two promotions in recent seasons have seen AFC Bournemouth Women rise to the Southern Region Women’s Premier League, at the fifth level of the women’s football league pyramid in England. The Cherries are currently embroiled in a title-race with Portsmouth-based Moneyfields and Oxfordshire’s Abingdon United, meaning another promotion could be on the cards for Steve Cuss’ side in 2019/20.

Having joined AFC Bournemouth Women from Parley back in 2014, Hannah Bennett has established herself as a key figure in the team’s midfield with over 100 club appearances to date. At the start of this season, the player - who has experienced two promotions with the Cherries and also won the Chairman’s Cup in 2019 - was handed the captain’s armband.

“Being named captain was a huge personal moment for me,” says Bennett, who will celebrate her 28th birthday on 2nd March. “I didn’t expect it at all. Steve (Cuss) spoke to me at the start of the season and asked me if I wanted to captain the side.”

Six days after her birthday, Bennett will be involved in AFC Bournemouth’s all-important trip to Moneyfields Ladies. At the time of writing, the teams occupy the top-two places in the Southern Region Women’s Premier League – with only the top position good enough for promotion at the end of the season. The clubs will also be meeting in a Southern Region Women’s League Cup match at Verwood Town FC on 1st March. This month is shaping up to be a make-or-break one for the Cherries women’s team.

Hannah Bennett - Mid Filed and Captain of AFC Bournemouth Women

“Promotion is our aim this season and we also want to go as far as we can in the cup,” comments Bennett. “We’ve been working really hard in training and have a fantastic team, so hopefully things will fall into place for us.”