After condersidable thought and discussions within the Women's Section Leadership Group (Management, coaches, admin and captains) it has been decided not to pursue the running of a reserve team in the 2019-20 season and the various notifications to the footballing authorities have been made to that effect.

Although the Club and Management have prepared, and were committed, to a reserve team to ensure all girls/women in the Herne Bay area had the chance to play regular football week in week out competitively, unfortunately the numbers of players with the regular commitment required did not match that ambition. Many reasons were completely understandable and completely respected, but some of the reasons for non attendance have shown up potential issues and concerns that going into the season would cause the Club to be at a serious financial and reputable loss added to the stress and anxiety on volunteer management, coaches and admin if unable to field a team, and that is not something the club or team management can allow to happen.

Added to this has been the extreme diffficulty in securing a pitch away from Winch's Field. The pitches that are available, and that includes the new sports hub 3G pitch at Eddington yet to be commissioned, are at full capacity with existing teams providing playing opportunities for the youth sections of male orientated clubs. Furthermore, the high cost of hiring those pitches is prohibitive for adult women's football and would have been a potentially crippling financial burden on the women's section of Herne Bay Football Club.

Consequently, it is with huge personal disappointment, as advocates of 'Football for All', the decision has been taken not to pursue a reserve team for Herne Bay FC Women and to make that decision before the season starts in the best interests of of all concerned including the relevant football authorities.

Manager Peter Whittaker said, "I'm sure their will be some concern with regard to playing time week in week out but all players will be given the best training possible to develop and push for first team places whilst maintaining the team's competitiveness on the pitch.
I will, as will we all, be constantly looking to evolve Womens' football in Herne Bay and hope next season we will be in a better place to expand but it's not to be this season. Those signed on with reserve team football in mind will still be full members of the squad and given every opportunity to develop and progress into first team football".