Dear All Supporters,

Welcome back to what promises to be a great season for the club if last week is anything to go by!

The Palace Ladies kick off their 2007/08 season tomorrow, but I want to give you an update on what we have been up to since the last programme back in April against Derby.

In June we held an open trials day for our First and Reserve team and had the biggest attendance in the history of the club.Trials are a very important way of finding new players as we don't have the vast scouting network like the professional clubs.On behalf of the club I would like to thank everyone who attended the day.Our First Team has strengthened its already impressive squad with the signings of Kim Whitcome (Southampton), Donna Kelyneck (Charlton), Sharno Longville and Sammy Stewart (AFC Wimbledon), Louise Worsfield (QPR), Louise Hoo (Croydon Postal), Claire Williams (Millwall), Beth Curits (Barnet), Helen Nkwocha (Fulham) and Emma Eldridge.

Crystal Palace Ladies are currently in the process of securing a partnership with Kelsey Park Sports College in Beckenham as we look to build for the future. We have many project ideas and are currently looking at securing sponsorship for an artificial football pitch for all of our age ranges to train on when the British winter kicks in.

I am also delighted to announce Rippa Sports have agreed to be our new training kit sponsor and we have already taken collection in readiness for the new season ahead.

Like any team, to have a successful season you need to prepare properly and a fundamental process of this is pre-season.Not so much about the results, pre-season gives teams a chance to try out new ideas, get match-ready and iron out any problems there may be and the Palace Ladies have had a very busy pre-season already, training hard and focusing on the forthcoming season.

The First Team played four games, losing away to Bristol Academy and Chelsea 5-0 and 4-1 respectively and drawing 1-1 against Ebsfleet and beating Gillingham 5-1 at home.Our reserves suffered defeats at Heatherset and their counterparts at Chelsea.

Both teams also participated in the annual Essex Women's football tournament, and whilst the reserves were knocked out by Norwich in the semi-final, the First Team picked up the first of many (we hope) trophies by beating Norwich 4-0 in the final.

With a strong finish at the end of last season and more depth in the squads this season, both or First and Reserve team are pushing for top four finishes and our youngsters will be looking to emulate that throughout their leagues.

Off the field the club is making rapid strides in development and we are looking forward to the 2007/08 with some anticipation.

Remember - you can get involved too, whether you are a player, coach, potential sponsor or just have time to spare.Why not visit our website at www.cplfc.co.uk, email us info@cplfc.co.uk or call on 07793 317 620.

Lee Snashfold

Palace Ladies Vice-Chairman