ARSENAL LADIES FC are well underway with pre-season preparations, taking part in a newly-formed tournament in the USA, ahead of their first season at Clarence Park the home of St Albans City FC.

The team are currently in America participating in the first ever Women's Trans-Atlantic Soccer Challenge, where they will play San Jose Cyber-Rays, the current Women's United Soccer Association Champions.

The Women's United Soccer Association is the world's first fully professional women's league, and boasts the worlds best female players. The USA won the Womens' World Cup in 1999 highlighting the country's strength in womens soccer and Arsenal Ladies hope to benefit from the experience of playing in the world champions' back yard against some of the games best players.

Arsenal ladies were established in 1987 by amalgamating Aylesbury ladies, and was formed by their current General Manager Vic Akers. Since then they have won 17 major trophies including five national Premier League titles, winning their second consecutive championship in the 2001-2002 season and they will hope that Clarence Park proves to be as happy a hunting ground next season.