Billericay Town Ladies, a team with a rich history dating back to 1996, have experienced a remarkable journey through the ranks of English women’s football. Initially competing in the Greater London Women’s Regional Division 2, the club later made the move into the Essex County Women’s League, where they enjoyed a strong local presence for several seasons.
However, it was during the 2007/08 season that the Essex side began their ascent into the upper levels of the game. Having initially played in the Eastern Region Women’s Football League Division One South, Billericay quickly progressed to the division above. It would take another nine years before the club achieved its next major success. After a series of second-place finishes, Billericay Town Women made their long-awaited debut in the FA Women’s National League, marking a significant milestone for the club.
The 2017/18 season was a defining moment, as Billericay were promoted to the Division One South East. Their inaugural campaign in the league saw them finish second with 48 points, their highest-ever finish in the English system. Zoe Rushen’s 34-goal haul that season made headlines, cementing her place as a standout performer.
Billericay’s momentum was briefly halted by the Covid-19 pandemic, but the club returned with a vengeance, rebranding themselves as Billericay Town Women. Their first full season after the pandemic saw them achieve another significant promotion to the third tier. The title was secured in dramatic fashion, with Billericay winning their last ten league games and edging out local rivals Hashtag United by just one point. Once again, Zoe Rushen was the star, finishing top scorer with 29 goals.
Since their promotion, Billericay Town Women have settled comfortably into the Southern Premier Division, and the club continues to produce exciting talent, with Maddie Biggs stepping up to score an impressive 16 goals last season.
Biggs, who made her debut at the start of last season, is just one of several key players who could push the club forward. Valentine Pursey, who joined from Hashtag United this season, brings with her WSL experience from Brighton, while Jessica Francis-Weir, formerly of the Spurs academy, made her debut in pre-season.
As Billericay Town Women prepare for their next challenge, they remain a club on the rise, with a clear vision for the future. From their humble beginnings outside of the league, the club now has the ambition, structure, and talent to compete with some of the best in the women’s game. In a league rich with fascinating stories, Billericay Town Women’s journey might just be joining us at Gwalia to have one of the most compelling.
