Arsenal await during women's pre-season

A mouthwatering clash with double winners Arsenal and a home match with Premier League National Division newcomers Nottingham Forest are the highlights of the pre-season campaign for the Charlton women's team.

Claire Williams celebrates a goal for the Addicks last season

The Addicks are aiming for a return to the top flight this season following relegation last term, and their preparations click up a gear on Sunday, July 20th as Forest travel to Sparrows Lane.

Charlton's impressive training complex in New Eltham will play host to the East Midlands outfit, and the date will mark another new beginning for Paul Mortimer's ever-improving outfit.

In addition to the keenly-anticipated first-team fixture, Charlton's reintroduced reserves will take on their Forest counterparts.

The Addicks are back in action two days later when South-East Counties side Ebbsfleet United makes the short trip to SE11 for an evening kick-off, and another Midlands side arrives in South London on Sunday, July 27th.

Leicester City, newly promoted to the Premier League Northern Division, will bring both a senior and second-string side to Sparrows Lane, while the following Tuesday sees a clash with old rivals Arsenal at a venue to be confirmed.

After welcoming more than 50 players in the opening week trials, technical director Mortimer will further refine his first-team plans in the opening week of August at a two-day training camp.

The weekend of August 2nd-3rd will also see the Addicks square up against South-West Combination outfit Bath City and a week later, on Sunday, August 10th, Charlton take two sides to top-flight Watford, a side managed by a familiar face in former midfielder Sian Williams.

The summer sharpeners conclude on Tuesday, August 12th when another South-East Counties outfit, Canterbury City, travels to Sparrows Lane.

Mortimer, who expects his side to challenge for Premier League Southern Division honours this campaign, is set to announce several new signings as early as next week as he targets an immediate return to the top flight.