EASTLEIGH FC are relaunching women's football for the upcoming 2016/17 season.

Eastleigh Ladies originally ran from 2007 for five seasons, climbing their way through the Hampshire Women's League before lack of facilities saw the team disband.

Nicky Beeton and Amy Wakefield, who both played for the side in their previous guise, are back on board - Wakefield having been the club's leading goalscorer in their last season under her maiden name of Boucher.

She has since married ex-Eastleigh winger David Wakefield.

The new-look side is managed by Mark Agombar with Mike Castle taking on the secretarial role, assisted by Eastleigh FC club secretary Ray Murphy.

Other players signed on so far are Samantha Hide, Hollie Agombar, Kirsty Garner, Tash Konczak, Lauren Hill, Leah Shave, Chelsea Owton, Lauren Stone and Kirsten Williams. Further squad additions are being finalised with Lauren Medhurst expected to sign this week on return from holiday.

A club statement said: "Although early promise has brought together a highly motivated and talented group, they will have to work hard in their first season as they have been elected into the top tier of the Hampshire Women's League where they will play Bournemouth Electric, AFC Bournemouth, AFC Stoneham, Bournemouth Sports, Mudeford Phoenix, Rushmoor, Southampton Saints Reserves and Warsash Wasps.

"The League fixtures will commence in September."

Having already competed in a couple of mini-sided tournaments, the next development stage will see Eastleigh Ladies play two friendly matches.

On Thursday (July 28, 6.45pm) they host Southampton Saints Reserves and on Sunday (July 31, 2pm) they are at home to AFC Bournemouth Ladies.