Chelsea FC Women have undergone a complete transformation since Roman Abramovich bought the club in 2003.

At that time Chelsea’s women’s team was self-financing, with players sometimes unable to afford to meet the costs of overnight accommodation for long-distance away trips.

Soon after Abramovich’s arrival, the team moved under the wing of Chelsea Football in the Community, and with it came finance for training facilities, pitches, kit and travel. The following season, 2004/05, saw the Blues, by now known as Chelsea Ladies, win promotion from the Southern Premier Division to the FAW Premier League, England’s top flight. We have remained there ever since.