The Club and History
Management
Women's Football in Rethymno
The path and history of our club from 1996 to today.
AO KRISSES
In Rethymno, the history of women's football begins in 1996 with AO KRISSES, which existed for 18 years.
AO N. ASTERAS RETHYMNOU
In 2015, it was continued by AO N. ASTERAS RETHYMNOU, which competed in the 1st Division from 2020.
Independent Steering Committee
In 2021, an independent steering committee for Women's football was created within ASTERAS RETHYMNOU, securing 4th place in the southern group of the 1st Division.
Foundation of AO REA
In 2022, the women's football section was separated from Asteras Rethymnou and merged into the new team AO REA (exclusively a Women's football team), which by law continues to compete in the Greek 1st Division.
The First Year - 3rd Place
The first season of AO REA (2022/2023) was amazing and far exceeded expectations. Playing spectacular football, our team reached the play-offs and secured 3rd place in the 1st Division, marking the greatest team sports achievement in Rethymno at the national level. Simultaneously, we launched a girls-only academy based on a model technical development program.
Establishment & Spectacle - 5th Place
In our second season (2023/2024), within the most competitive championship ever featuring major football brands, our team finished in 5th place, universally acknowledged for playing the best and most spectacular football in the division.
Semi-Finals & Attendance Record - 6th Place
During the 2024/2025 season in a highly competitive league, our team finished 6th and reached the final 4 of the Greek Cup. Meanwhile, our U17 development team advanced to the top 8 U17 teams in Greece. The highlight was our match against AEK at the OPAP Arena, setting an all-time attendance record for Women's Football in Greece with over 17,000 fans in a festive atmosphere.
In the Greek Elite
In the past season (2025/2026), REA kept pace with the rapid development of the 1st Division. In an even more competitive year, we secured 6th place again, finishing just 4 points behind 3rd, confirming our place in the Greek elite among major brands.
Our Crest
Emblem: "THE TREE"
- The tree is the symbol of growth and is the most perfect representation of a smooth developmental path, growing upwards and creating branches.
- Our emblem, "THE TREE", is designed to form the acronym of our name, "REA".
Background: "THE SUN"
- The Sun signifies the transmission of light, life-giving energy, and limitless growth potential that can be achieved by tuning into the seed of creativity within every creature.
Social Responsibility Program
To establish a policy that protects and safeguards the well-being of our female players and ensures a safe environment, our team follows these steps:
1. Definition of Principles and Values
- a) Respect and Equality: Ensuring all players are treated with respect and equality, regardless of nationality, race, religion, gender, or sexual identity.
- b) Safety and Well-being: Adopting measures that promote the physical and mental health of the players.
2. Physical Safety and Health
- a) Preventive Medicine: Regular medical check-ups and rehabilitation programs.
- b) Healthy Diet: Nutrition and hydration programs.
- c) Safety Training: Continuous training in first aid and injury management.
3. Mental Health and Well-being
- a) Psychological Support: Providing access to counselors and psychologists.
- b) Anti-Bullying: Zero tolerance for harassment and bullying.
- c) Stress Management: Stress management educational programs.
4. Education and Development
- a) Continuous Education: In areas of athletic performance, technique, and tactics.
- b) Professional Development: Skill development opportunities for professional careers.
5. Participation and Involvement
- a) Player's Voice: Mechanisms for expressing opinions and suggestions.
- b) Decision-making Participation: Integration into safety decision-making processes.
6. Regulations and Procedures
- a) Code of Conduct: Establishing a code for everyone involved.
- b) Complaint Management: Clear procedures for reporting violations.
Accessibility Policy
To ensure that attendance and participation in football activities are accessible to everyone, regardless of disability, our team establishes the following policy:
1. Facilities & Infrastructure
a) Accessible Stadiums: Ensuring accessible entrances, toilets, and basic infrastructure. b) Stand Access: Equipping stands with accessible seating for people with mobility issues and their companions.
2. Services & Support
a) Staff: Training on proper issue management. b) Support Programs: Sign language interpreters, guides for visual impairments, autism support.
3. Participation in Activities
a) Adapted Training: Coaches trained in match adaptation. b) Special Equipment: Providing appropriate equipment (special balls, wheelchairs).
4. Communication & Legislation
Accessible Information: Websites compatible with screen readers, Braille, subtitles. Compliance: Compliance with current legislation and continuous evaluation.
Environmental Footprint Program
To improve its environmental footprint and promote sustainability in event organization, our team adopts the following policy:
1. Waste Reduction
Elimination of single-use plastics, installation of recycling bins in all areas, and organic waste composting programs.
2. Energy Savings
Use of renewable sources (solar/wind), energy-efficient LED lighting, and automation systems with motion sensors.
3. Water Management
Water-saving systems in all facilities and rainwater harvesting for pitch irrigation.
4. Sustainable Transport
Encouraging public transport, providing bicycle parking, and electric vehicle charging stations.
5. Sustainable Sourcing
Procuring food/drinks from local producers and using environmentally friendly cleaning products.
6. Education & Reporting
Continuous staff training, fan awareness campaigns, and public reporting of environmental results.
