Real Bedford Women Pre-Season Fixtures

We can now announce the pre-season schedule for our women’s team ahead of the 2025/26 season. The Pirates will play six games in preparation for the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division, which begins in August. 

Sunday 13th July – AFC Sudbury (A) - The Kings Marsh Stadium - 14:00 KO

First up for Charlie Bill’s side is an away game against AFC Sudbury. We faced the Suffolk-based outfit twice last season in the league, winning one and drawing the other. On 26th January 2025, goals from Abbie Bensted, Leyla O’Brien, and Amy McLean secured a comfortable 4-0 home win at the Ledger Stadium.

Three months later, we faced the same opposition, knowing that a victory would mathematically secure the league title. Despite creating numerous chances, the Pirates were unable to find a way past Sudbury goalkeeper, Nina Meollo, who was in top form as the game ended 0-0.

Tuesday 22nd July – Cambridge United (A) – Swavesey Village Collage - 19:45 KO

Nine days later, we will return to action with another away trip against familiar opposition. The Pirates faced Cambridge United three times last season, winning one, drawing one, and losing the other. After a 0-0 league draw at home in September, we faced the U’s a month later in the third qualifying round of the FA Cup. Unfortunately, we bowed out of the competition, losing 3-1 away from home.

We got our revenge in February 2025, though, beating Cambridge in the return match in the league. O’Brien scored an impressive first-half double, earning her first Player of the Match award since joining the club and securing an important three points in the title race. 

Sunday 27th July – Fulham (H) – The Ledger Stadium - 14:00 KO

Fulham enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, winning the London and South East Women’s Regional Football League Premier Division. The Cottagers finished last season unbeaten, drawing only two out of their 22 league matches. They will play in the fourth tier of the English pyramid in the 2025/26 season. 

There will be free admission for all supporters attending this game. You can read more about parking, the merchandise store, food and drink at the Ledger Stadium for pre-season matches here

Sunday 3rd August – Derby County (A) – Don Amott Arena - 14:00 KO 

Derby County finished ninth in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division last season. Andrea Bell finished as their top goalscorer in the league, ending with nine goals in 22 matches. This game will be our first pre-season match against tier three opposition, and the Rams will offer the Pirates a stern test.

Sunday 10th August – Loughborough Lightning (A) – Loughborough University Stadium – 14:00 KO

The final pre-season match ahead of the 2025/26 season is an away trip to Loughborough Lightning. After coming close to promotion to step three in the 2023/24 season, Lightning won the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands title in the 2024/25 campaign without losing a match. They averaged 2.73 points per game, winning 19 out of their 22 league matches.

The upcoming season will see them compete in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division, alongside the likes of Derby, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Stoke City.

Further Updates to Come

Keep an eye on the website and our social media channels for further updates about the men’s and women’s teams.

This includes the fixtures announcement for the FAWNL Southern Premier Division, which will be released on Tuesday 15th July.