Nottingham Forest Ladies delivered a Championship winning performance as they beat Sheffield Wednesday last weekend and will now play in the National Premier League alongside the likes of Arsenal, Everton and Leeds after gaining promotion to the top flight in women's football.

The F.A National Premier League now awaits the presence of the flagship women's Nottingham Club for the commencement of the 2008/2009 season and Nottingham has much to celebrate as this is the first time a Nottingham Club has reached this level in the history of the Premier League.

Club Chairperson P.J is euphoric for all involved: "I have never been more proud to be associated with Nottingham Forest Ladies and all those that have played or worked for the cause to bring us here to this position. This is my 17th year being involved with Forest Ladies and I know that everyone I have come into contact with during that time deserve recognition for the way we have built and progressed to today alone. It has always been vital that this club remains faithful to its values and traditions. That means maintaining what the Club has built over 18 years and continuing to have faith in the management and, of course, the players. We have built steadily both on and off the field over the years and to achieve what has been achieved everyone has had to remain strong under pressure. You can only achieve any type of success if you stay strong-minded during the difficult times and we have had plenty of those."

Andrews is quick to highlight Manager Lisa Dawkins contribution as she explained the meteoric rise of the club's status over the past 6 years: "Lisa has been the most successful manager this club has seen and has steadily improved season after season after being in charge. Over the past 6 years she has taken the side from the Unison East Midlands League, through to the Midlands Combination and to the Premier Northern Division where she has gained promotion to the National League on her third attempt. It's a credible record and deserved respect for a Manager who has worked with passion, determination and a commitment to drive on her players whilst still learning lessons over that time and working with some influential assistants and coaches.

Andrews continues: "The chemistry for this year, however, has been down to the mix of management and players. This season's management team including Lisa, Andy Burgess, Andrew Marshall, Edd Yates and Dave Carr and, of course, this season's set of players really do deserve success. They have all worked hard, remained focussed and most of all have worked together as a unit. This combination has been the pivotal factor for our success."

An understandably jubilant Lisa Dawkins comments: "To be honest with you it hasn't really sunk in - I suppose it will hit home when I see the fixture list - Forest v Arsenal, Everton, Leeds etc.

Sunday was an emotional day for many and when I heard the final whistle, I still wasn't sure if we had done it, it was still mathematically possible for us to miss out on our dream - it only takes a second to score a goal, and we were not sure of the final result at the Sunderland/Lincoln game until a minute after our final whistle. After hearing the news that Sunderland had beaten Lincoln I realised we were there! At this point my face became drenched with a mix of Champagne and tears, I'm not too proud to admit that I can't really put into words what it means to me. I am a life long Forest fan and Forest Ladies are in my blood. This is my dream and now our dream and we really all can share in the fact that we are Champions.

I am really, really proud that Forest Ladies have finally managed to achieve Premier League National Division status at the third time of asking. It is what the Club has been aiming for during the past years. All the people involved with NFLFC over the years deserve to feel part of this success story.

But for now it is about this season and the players, committee, coaches and support staff, who are all volunteers and have been absolutely magnificent - their commitment and the club spirit they create has been one of the key reasons for our success. Not wanting to take it away from the Players, they have worked really hard, made many sacrifices and delivered under the most immense amount of pressure I have ever experienced in the game. At the end of the day it is the players that walk out on the field of play and do the business - and they certainly did that this year. Unbeaten in the league, won 18 out of 22 - absolutely brilliant. I'm so pleased for them and I'm so proud of them."

Assistant Manager Andy Burgess says: "To have gone the entire season unbeaten proves what a special squad we have at the football club. Not only are they a group of players with outstanding ability but they are a group with immense character, passion and belief. Fair play to Lincoln they pushed us all the way to final game but we have a terrific blend of youth and experience, and everyone involved at the club can be very proud of what we have achieved together."

Club secretary Fay Glover says: "I have been involved in women's football since 1970 and have had many bad days and many special days but nothing beats the feeling I had when we won the game on Sunday and gained promotion to the National Division. It will be a day that I never forget. Now we start all over again because this is just the beginning."

Captain Kelly Finley (defence and midfield) gets straight to the point from a player perspective: "Promotion is a great feeling. We have worked so hard and to go unbeaten is unbelievable. It means o much to the players and everyone involved in the club."

Club Captain Catherine Lawson (forward and midfield) says: "This is not just one season's work - it is work that has been ongoing since I joined the club since 1998 as a 16 year old. It's a great feeling and outshines anything that I have ever achieved personally in and out of football."

Senior Players representative (Midfield) Beth Bailey says: "I am so excited that we will be playing in the National Prem next season, to get promoted without losing a game is such a massive achievement, the whole team were brilliant and I can't wait for next season to begin to test ourselves against the likes of Arsenal."

Sue Bointon (player since 1999) says: "I have indescribable feelings of elation and pride. It still hasn't sunk in! Everyone involved at the club has worked so hard for this moment, to see the dream come true is by far the best moment of my footballing career."

Nottingham Forest Ladies has gone through a significant transition over the past few years including that most recently of achieving Centre of Excellence Status for the junior and youth development. Centre Director Steve Pritchard is quick to congratulate the Senior Setup: "What a fantastic achievement born out of years of hard work. It will obviously raise the profile of women's football throughout Nottingham and the East Midlands and speaking as the Forest Ladies Centre Director it can only serve to enhance and aid recruitment of the most promising young females for the sport and provides an option as a high standard exit route for the players. Well done to all involved with the senior teams."

Nottingham Forest Academy Director Nick Marshall says: "It's a fantastic achievement by the ladies team and hopefully with the Youth section of the club going from strength to strength the long term prospects of the club looks very bright indeed!"

Player and a club sponsor Ken Bell says: "Congratulations to the Manager, Coaches, the Committee and especially the playing squad from Ken, Marie and all at SIB - enjoy, dream, re-collect all the moments -you are part of the exclusive premier league now - you've lived the dream!!!!

Pat Gordon, Notts Girls and Ladies League says: "Congratulations to everyone at Nottingham Forest Ladies FC. I have been following the team's progress throughout the season and am absolutely delighted the team has won the league and gained promotion to the top flight. It is not only a fantastic achievement for the club but a huge boost for girls and ladies football in Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands.

Forest Ladies Chairperson PJ Andrews concludes: "Everyone involved at the club both past and present should be proud that we have realised our ambition of promotion to the highest level. I cannot praise the efforts of all those involved enough."

Forest are scheduled to receive their Championship Trophy at the City Ground on Saturday, 3 May when Forest play Yeovil in the last home game of the season in front of an anticipated sell out crowd.

Anyone intetersted in financially sponsoring the club to aid their National Premier League ambitions should contact P.J Andrews in the first instance on 07834 072361.