Bolton Wanderers Women kickstart their season on the road when they take on Darwen FC Ladies on Sunday afternoon.
Following their double winning success of last season, Myles Smith's side make the step up into tier five of the Women's pyramid this season, looking to build on the foundations laid in the previous season.
A strong core playing group from 2024/25 have carried through into this campaign, with a blend of quality and potential forming a solid base from which to work from.
Coupling that with a number of new signings into the building, as well as additions to the coaching staff including Republic of Ireland international Megan Campbell, Wanderers look set to take on a tough-looking Premier Division of the North West Women's Regional League following a busy pre-season.
Victories in pre-season fixtures against Atherton LR, Rochdale and Salford City Lionesses proved beneficial, as well as an encounter with Wythenshawe of tier four ending in defeat - providing vital insight for the team and staff as they head into this season.
A move to Chorley FC's Victory Park for 2025/26 is another huge step for the Women's team, with FC United of Manchester the visitors on Wednesday evening but Wanderers have to ensure they head into the game with a positive result at the Multevo Anchor Ground.
Wanderers' opponents will offer a stern opening test this weekend, finishing second in the Premier Division last season with 12 wins from their 20 games.
If Myles Smith's new-look side are to get a result on Sunday afternoon, they will need to be at their best against a Darwen side full of experience at tier five.
Full details of the game are as follows:
Fixture: Darwen FC Ladies v Bolton Wanderers Women
Date: Sunday 17th August
Time: 2pm kick-off
Location: Multevo Anchor Ground, Anchor Road, Darwen, BB3 0BB
Price: £3 Adults, £2 Concessions, £1 Children
Refreshments: Bar will be open for supporters to use