Burnley keeper Bracewell hails Clarets’ plans to run women’s team and push for Championship promotion

LAURA BRACEWELL has thrown her weight behind the Clarets’ plans to turn Burnley’s women's team into a professional outfit. 

Alan Pace, whose firm completed a £200m December takeover of the Clarets’ Prem side, is targeting Women's Championship promotion for the squad.

The Clarettes won back-to-back promotions to reach the Women’s National League Northern Division last term.

And the team, established in 1995, are currently eighth in the third tier of the women’s game. 

Bracewell, Burnley’s captain and goalkeeper said: "I think it's absolutely fantastic the club has taken the team under their banner."

“We have been very successful over the past few seasons.

“I think now we have the backing of the club we will be able to reach that next level. 

“Myself and the team are looking forward to what the future holds and bringing further success to the club.” 

The Clarettes have seen their season put on ice due to the Covid crisis and the national lockdown.

As part of the club’s plans, the squad will now share the Barnfield Training Centre used by Sean Dyche's Prem players. 

And a Women’s Academy is due to be created with Burnley seeking to transform the team into a “hotbed for future talent”. 

The move to professionalise the side has been firmly backed by Burnley owner Alan Pace. 

The Clarets chairman is a managing partner of US investment company ALK capital who acquired an 84% stake in Burnley for £200million in December 2020. 

Pace said: “Burnley FC is an inclusive club for all and today’s announcement signals our intent to put women’s football at the very heart of it.

"Over the coming seasons, we will fully support and invest in our new women’s football strategy, with the ambition to gain promotion to the FA Women’s Championship within four years and ultimately become a full-time professional outfit.”

Burnley says its efforts are part of its plans to help the team reach the Women’s Championship by 2025.   

Former England goalie Rachel Brown-Finnis and Sheffield United ace Naomi Hartley are among the side’s famous former players. 

Matt Bee, Burnley FC Women’s manager added: “Today’s announcement is exciting for all aspirational young footballers in Burnley, with the club demonstrating real ambition within the women’s game and a commitment to invest in infrastructure and development over the coming seasons.”

The daily running of the women’s team is set to move away from Burnley FC in the Community as part of the move. 

Officials at the club also plan to secure new corporate partners for the side.