WANDERERS Ladies will start life in the Premier League with a brand-new home after striking a deal to groundshare with Atherton Collieries.

The link-up will enable season ticket holders at the Macron to watch the ladies team for free at Colls’ 2,500 capacity Kensite Stadium.

Wanderers played most of their games last season on Sundays at the Eddie Davies Academy in Lostock but hope the move to Atherton will attract new fans and create a better matchday atmosphere.

Promoted from the North West Regional League last season for the first time in their history last season, the Whites are looking to capitalise on their success by laying down some firm foundations.

And by throwing open their doors to the existing Wanderers fanbase, club secretary Darren Butler hopes more supporters will be convinced to ‘double up’ at the weekend.

“The aim is to create a home for Bolton women’s football that will serve us now and for our future ambitions and, importantly, create a team which Wanderers fans identify as one of their own,” he told The Bolton News.

“Being able to use a proper enclosed ground with social and refreshment facilities means we can offer fans a chance to come down, see what we are all about, and hopefully enjoy a proper football experience, no different than they would on a Saturday.”

Wanderers will compete in the Women’s Premier League Northern Division One against teams like Newcastle United, Leeds, Barnsley, Crewe and Hull City.

They are effectively at the fourth step of the pyramid, which is regionalised into four sections across the UK.

Colls – themselves upwardly mobile after winning the North West Counties Premier Division under Michael Clegg last season – have given their facilities a makeover this summer in preparation for the Northern Premier League.

The club has made significant progress in recent years and re-established links with Wanderers, including a friendly which this year will take place on Wednesday, July 19.

“As a club we’re delighted to welcome this brand new partnership with Bolton Wanderers Ladies,” said Colls, in a statement issued yesterday.

“Over the last few years there has been an upsurge in interest in the ladies’ game thanks to new initiatives from The FA and increased media publicity. This has undoubtedly benefited Bolton Wanderers and the title winning season last year is testament to the hard work they have put in.

“Atherton Collieries is run predominantly by current or former Bolton Wanderers season ticket holders, with many still attending Whites games whenever they can. It has always been a dream of ours to have a strong link with the professional club that we support and this has been growing over the last three years.

“The annual pre-season matches at Colls have proved extremely popular among Bolton fans and fortunately we have been able to build off this. A couple of our players have been handed trials at Wanderers and behind the scenes they are always willing to help us out if we need help or advice.

“This link with the ladies section of the club will only strengthen this partnership further and it is something that we are extremely privileged to be involved in.

“With Bolton Wanderers Ladies playing their games on a Sunday it means that our fans will be able to get down to Colls and get behind them. As well as league games, this partnership will see Bolton host their FA Women’s Cup matches at The Kensite Stadium if they are handed a home tie.”

Wanderers Ladies face a trip to Leicester City in the FA WPL League Cup first round and have also lined-up a warm-up game this weekend against the GB Deaf Women’s team, who will soon travel to the Olympics.

Open age trials will be held by the club on Tuesday, June 27 and Thursday, June 29 at Little Lever Sports Centre (7.30pm start). For more information contact did.butler@yahoo.co.uk or visit the club’s Facebook page.