A WOMEN'S football team that nearly closed down after being locked out of its own ground has secured a new home.

Fears were raised over the future of the Leyton Ladies team when baliffs closed down the pitch they use at Leyton FC's stadium in Lea Bridge Road following financial irregularities behind the scenes.

The club had not recovered after former chairman, Costas Sophocleous, was jailed for eight years last year over a £16 million VAT scam, with the men’s team disbanding last year.

But now the women's side are celebrating after the owners of the Matchday Centre at Wadham Lodge Sports Ground in Brookscroft Road, Walthamstow, signed a deal to let them use their pitch.

"It's brilliant", said midfielder Lydia Cooper, 23.

"At one point we were thinking we may have had to close but now I can't believe how well it's all come together.

"We have the pitch for the season and we've won both our pre-season games. Everyone's feeling really positive and we're really happy."

The team had also been dealt a blow when its manager and coach left the club in quick succession following the lock-out, but now new volunteers have already started coming forward to help.

"It's been great but we'll always appreciate any more offers of help. The big issue we face now is sponsorship. We need to raise about £2,000 for kits, equipment and our running costs so we still have a way to go", said Ms Cooper.

"If anyone in the community could help we'd be really grateful."

Email leytonladiesfc@hotmail.com if you can help.

Meanwhile Leyton FC has formally had its licence revoked by the council at a meeting on Monday (August 22).

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