A new era has begun at Durham Women FC – following a change in ownership at the independent, professional women’s football club.
Club director Lee Sanders oversaw the change in ownership from Durham University to both himself and long-term co-director Dawn Hepple.
The strategic move allows significant growth to take place both on and off the pitch for the club, the first step of which sees a new board of directors to guide the club through its exciting next chapter.
They are joined by investors Patrick and Frances Connolly, long-standing supporters and sponsors of Durham Women, who have joined the club as shareholders.
The graduates of Belfast’s Queen’s University have a number of business interests – having been involved in the manufacturing industry for more than two decades while also operating in the hospitality and charity sectors.
The Connollys’ involvement strengthens the club in the short-to-medium term while additional investment is sought to pursue further growth and exciting new projects.
Lee Sanders said: “We are delighted to finalise this change in ownership, the first stage of which is welcoming Patrick and Frances. They have been unbelievable supporters of the football club and we will work closely with them on the next stage of investment.
“This move will also allow us to attract further significant investment into the squad, the staff, the infrastructure and a longer-term playing facility for the football club.
“As one of only two independent clubs in the women’s professional game, it’s exciting to think where this next stage of our journey will take us.”
Patrick & Frances Connolly added: “We’ve been incredibly impressed by Durham Women FC’s dedication both on the pitch and in the community and we have been huge supporters for a number of years now.
“Our family has always been involved in women’s football because our daughters used to play for Hartlepool St Francis, where we first met Lee at grassroots level.
“We are now excited to have a bigger role in helping Durham Women FC reach new heights, with a target to deliver a sustainable future and inspire the next generation of female athletes.”
The new board of directors is made up from the following:
- Fred Grainger – Former CEO of both International and UK businesses spanning 35 years- specialising in publishing and education software. He has overseen businesses from start-up to eventual global trading.
- Dr Peter Warburton OBE – Former Director of Sport and Dean of Experience at Durham University. With a passion for sport and the development of young people through sport both in the UK and abroad throughout his life he has held the position of Chair of County Durham Sport and Vice Chair of The Regional Sport Board.
- Dawn Hepple – Founder, club director, Board Safeguarding & Welfare Champion, background in FE management and NHS mental health support.
- Frances Connolly – Chair and founder of The PFC Trust and a company director for Inn Hospitality and Plastic Processing Ltd.
- Patrick Connolly – Owner of Inn Hospitality and Plastic Processing Ltd with a background in chemical engineering.
- Lee Sanders – Founder and former 1st team manager, FA WSL board member and current member of The FA Council representing the women’s professional leagues.
The deal has received all necessary regulatory approvals and has been approved by Women’s Professional Leagues Limited.