DUNDEE UNITED WOMEN REACH LANDMARK AGREEMENT WITH CLUB

Dundee United are excited to announce that our SWPL2 title-winning women’s team will come under the official umbrella of the club ahead of their debut season in the SWPL1.

United have agreed to the terms of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Participation Agreement to confirm the side’s historic promotion.

They will now star alongside the likes of Rangers, Celtic and Glasgow City in the inaugural SPFL-run 12-side SWPL1 next season.

That marks a meteoric rise through the ranks for DUWFC which has been successfully run by Dundee United Community Trust since its inception in 2015. 

They played in front of a record 726 fans at Tannadice as they beat St Johnstone WFC 3-2 before lifting the SWPL 2 trophy.

But as part of their elevation to the top flight, the Women’s team will no longer be operated by DUCT but will now be directly administered by the club.

And with the women’s game at an exciting juncture, DUWFC will now take the next significant step in their seven-year history. 

Dundee United Women's team: The future

???? A record-breaking evening for @DundeeUnitedWFC under the Tannadice floodlights#UnitedTogether pic.twitter.com/EX3rwMXOZy

— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) May 10, 2022

As part of the new structure:

• Graeme Hart will remain as Head Coach
• DUWFC will eventually make Gussie Park their new home
• The Player Pathway to the Women’s First Team will be strengthened by DUCT’s Girls’ Academy

Dundee United Sporting Director Tony Asghar said: "This is a landmark moment for the Women’s team as they look forward to their debut season in the SWPL1.

"We are immensely grateful to DUCT for the work they have done in the success of the Women’s team to date."

David Dorward, Chair of DUCT, said: "This is an important milestone in the women's and girls' game in our city.

"I'm proud of the work Dundee United Community Trust has done in laying a strong foundation which the Club can now take forward.  

"The players are amazing role models and we look forward to seeing what the team can achieve with this enhanced support from the club."

United Women's team Head Coach Graeme Hart said: “We’ve been working towards the top league since I became assistant manager a few years ago.

"Now that we have achieved promotion, it’s quite fitting that we are coming under the umbrella of the Club.

"DUCT have been fantastic for us in establishing the club. They have played a major role in our development and this is the next step.

"It’s a hugely exciting time for the Women’s team. We played at Tannadice in front of a record crowd as we lifted the trophy and we are now going to Gussie Park.

"Gussie feels like home to the players. They feel inspired by the fact it is in the shadow of Tannadice.

"There is also an opportunity to grow our team through the Player Pathway created by DUCT Girls’ Academy.

"Elise Salmond, Clara Laing and Morgan Airlie have all come through the system to play for us.

"That's the Dundee United way and, going forward, I hope we can develop more young players for the women's first team.”

Dundee United vice-captain Jade McLaren said: “I’ve been with Dundee United for five years and this is the most exciting moment in our recent history.

"Winning the title was a great moment for us but the big prize for us is next season when we play in the top flight.

"I can’t wait to come under the umbrella of Dundee United and play at Gussie Park.”