Full club backing for Exeter City Women

Exeter City Women have officially completed their transition to being fully managed by Exeter City Football Club, marking a major step forward in the team’s growth.

The move, which sees the team shift from the oversight of Exeter City Community Trust (ECCT) to the football club itself, has been completed on schedule. It has been led by Jen Dixon, who has served as both director and executive chair during the transition.

With a new strategic and operational framework now in place, the club has confirmed that the role of executive chair will be replaced by two new positions: a chief executive of Women’s Football, and a chair of the women’s board. Jen Dixon will continue as chair of the women’s board as the team enters its next phase.

“This has been an incredibly important period of change for Exeter City Women, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in such a short space of time,” said Dixon.

“The team is now in a stronger position than ever before, with a clear strategy, a supportive structure, and the right ambition to match.”

As part of the development, the club will appoint a chief executive of Women’s Football, with experience of guiding teams to the second tier. The focus will be on ensuring the long-term sustainability of the women’s side while continuing to nurture local talent through close links with Exeter College Women’s Football Academy and ECCT’s female pathway.

The pathway includes programmes for girls as young as three, and extends through the Girls’ Development Centre and Emerging Talent Centres. The women’s development squad has now been integrated into the first-team structure, with high-performing players training alongside the senior team to support their progression.

Dixon thanked the club, its supporters, and the Exeter City Supporters’ Trust for championing the women’s side.

“We are hugely grateful to the club and to Exeter City Supporters’ Trust which has championed the women’s team, both in terms of leading change and in donations and sponsorship.

Thank you also to our supporters, who have backed the team in increasing numbers this season, and to our volunteers and ambassadors who have helped to create an amazing environment on and off the pitch.”

Reflecting on the 2024/25 season, Dixon praised the team’s achievements, including a fourth-place finish in their first season in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier Division.

“This season also saw a fourth place finish in the third tier of women’s football – an incredible achievement by Abbie and her team and testament to their skills and hard work.”

Exeter City chief executive Joe Gorman added: “We are hugely grateful to Jen for her leadership and vision in helping to guide Exeter City Women through this key phase. Her work has been instrumental in setting the foundations for future success.

“The steps we are now taking are part of a long-term plan to ensure the women’s team continues to grow, thrive, and inspire the next generation.”

Exeter City Women were promoted to the third tier in 2024. Their final match of the 2024/25 season, held at St James Park, drew a record crowd of 3,179 – comparable to Women’s Super League attendances. Manager Abbie Britton was named Premier Division Manager of the Year to round off a successful campaign.