LAUREN Haynes is looking forward to a new season kicking off for Oxford United Women this weekend.

After finishing second in FA Women’s National League Southern Premier last season, Liam Gilbert’s side will be again be chasing for promotion.

England’s Euros success has led to increased interest in the women’s game, with season ticket sales doubling at United.

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Ahead of the new league season getting underway on Sunday, skipper Haynes said: “Everyone in the league wants a home game to start their season and we’re really fortunate to have that with Bridgwater.

“My phone’s been blowing up and people are asking when the tickets are out for our first home game, and that’s not just young female fans – that’s fully grown adults, boys, families and people who haven’t really come to games.

“We are so excited to be able to play our first home game with not just fans who are going to show up once, but fans we can retain and join our journey for the season.”

Bridgwater United finished two places behind the U’s last season, and Gilbert recognised it would be a tough opening fixture, saying: “The squad is in really good spirits, and they’ve been superb in training this week. We feel really ready for the weekend.”