Ceylon Hickman has been promoted to the Dulwich Hamlet Women’s first team. A defender, Hickman made three appearances for the team in the 2019/20 season.

Hickman signed for Luton Town Centre of Excellence in her youth and played there till 16, featuring predominantly as a defensive midfielder or along the back line. She had spells with other clubs before playing for Cambridge University 1st Team, where she was Vice-Captain and also played in three Varsity matches.

Since graduation, she played for Leyton Orient before joining Dulwich Hamlet and was a key part of the Reserves side last season.

Hickman also works for the club’s charity partner Football Beyond Borders and is Head of Impact & Female Participation, where she has helped expand the girls’ programme from 16 girls to over 200.

She said, “It’s wicked to be part of the first team squad after spending my first season embedding myself at the club with the reserves. Before the women’s team existed, I’d often be down at Champion Hill watching the men, so to be embarking on a season of playing there each week is exciting. We proved last season that we have the talent and attitude to win the title, and I’m hungrier than ever to play a role in confirming that victory this year.”

Manager Ryan Dempsey said, “I’m pleased that Ceylon has been promoted from the reserves. It’s something that I’m keen to continue to do, we have some good players in the reserve squad, and Jack Badu is a very important member of the club coaching team. He mentioned last season that Ceylon has been training and playing well.”

“Ceylon trained with us during the second half of the season and featured a few games and played well and contributed. I’m looking forward to helping Ceylon to develop further.”

Photo: Ollie Jarman