Burnley Women's history-making promotion marked with civic reception at Towneley Hall

Ross Wallace’s title-winning side were greeted by Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Paul Reynolds, members of Burnley Borough Council and other local dignitaries.

The Clarets, who secured promotion on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Stoke City, posed for pictures outside the Hall, before congregating inside for canapes and speeches.

Lukman Patel, chief executive of Burnley Council, was among those to speak.

“It's fantastic what they've achieved,” he said.

“A huge credit goes to all the players, the staff and all of the team behind the scenes. They’ve done a fantastic job over the last few years and they've had a vision.

“For them to get promoted to WSL2 has been absolutely incredible and it's a great thing for the town as well.”

He added: “A big credit goes to the owners as well, because they’ve invested in the women's game as well as investing in the men's game.

“We see all the statistics that the growth is in the women's game and we see all the big clubs and the big players doing it - and now Burnley are doing it as well and they've not resisted.

“It would be quite an easy fix not to invest in the women's team, but they’ve done it.

“I'm sure that not only will it have on-field success, it will also have investment success in the local community as well and it will spur the next generation of talent on.”

The Mayor, meanwhile, believes Burnley’s long-awaited promotion – which comes after years of trying – could have a bigger impact beyond what happens on the pitch.

“Congratulations for doing really well,” he told the players. “You are going to be an inspiration for women and girls across the town.

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“Achievements like this will spur other girls to get into sport and do well for themselves, so we need to encourage even more women to get involved, to get healthy and be strong.”

Burnley’s head of football Lola Ogunbote also delivered a powerful message, outlining the long road to get to this point where the Clarets will line up in the second tier of the women’s game for the first time in their history.

“This journey began five years ago,” she explained. “Alan Pace had a vision to bring the women’s team to the town and do the town proud, well that’s finally been achieved.

“The players deserve so much praise. Every single one of them has been so committed and we’re all so thankful. Ross Wallace has also done a fantastic job since coming in as interim boss.

“We hope more girls can get involved. These girls are role models and we hope they’re able to empower those young girls across the town of Burnley.”

Alan Pace message

While club owner Alan Pace wasn’t able to attend due to being away on business, he did share a lengthy statement on his social media pages.

“From the very beginning, we set out with an ambition to make Burnley FC Women a fully professional team. Their promotion to WSL2 yesterday is a truly special moment, both personally and for this football club,” he wrote.

“As a father to three daughters, I’ve always had a personal desire to see our women’s team thrive and play a meaningful role in the exciting progress we’re witnessing in women’s football across the world.

“This achievement is the result of years of hard work behind the scenes. Particularly from Lola, the players, and all of the staff who have been part of this journey. I’m incredibly proud to see that dedication rewarded.

“This is an important milestone for Burnley Football Club, and we look forward to what the future holds for Burnley FC Women. Congratulations.”

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