FC Isle of Man is to launch a women’s football team, reaffirming its commitment to creating opportunities for footballers across the island.

The initiative will begin with an open training and trial session on Tuesday, November 10 from 8-9.30pm at Colby AFC.

The club intends to arrange six friendlies as the team develops, with the longer-term ambition of participating in a competitive league from the following season, subject to the necessary arrangements and approvals.

The launch is being driven by an enthusiastic group of people committed to developing women’s football in the island.

Donna Harrison will lead the team as manager, supported by Sarah Wignall and Becky Corkish, with Luke Stewart and Ruairi Mooney as coaches.

The initiative also has the full support of the FCIoM board, with chairman David Pope taking responsibility at board level and Gaz Lloyd providing safeguarding oversight.

Pope said: ‘This is something we have wanted to achieve for some time, and I am absolutely delighted that we are now in a position to get it moving.

‘FC Isle of Man has always been about more than just the results of our men’s first team. We want to create opportunities, bring people together and build a club that the whole island can feel part of.

‘As always, our aim is not to detract from or adversely affect the local game, but to enhance it. We want to work alongside existing clubs and build on the excellent work already being done to develop women’s and girls’ football across the island.

‘We also have to recognise that our young people deserve opportunities to develop and compete at the highest level their abilities allow, without feeling they have to leave the island to pursue them.

‘Jersey and Guernsey are continually developing their sporting opportunities, and there’s no reason why the IoM should not have similar ambitions.

‘We want to provide a pathway that encourages our young players to remain in the island, while giving them opportunities to experience football beyond our shores.”

‘This is about adding to what we already have, creating opportunities and strengthening Manx football for the future.

‘The enthusiasm of Donna, Sarah, Becky and everyone involved has been fantastic. They have put an enormous amount of energy into getting us to this stage, and they deserve our full support.

‘We are starting sensibly, with regular training and a programme of friendly matches, but we have genuine ambitions to develop the team and hopefully move into league football next season.

‘Most importantly, we want women who love football, or who would like to get involved again, to feel welcome. This is their opportunity to be part of something from the very beginning.’

The initial focus will be on establishing a strong and welcoming training environment, developing a committed group of players and building towards a programme of friendly fixtures.

The club’s intention is to complement the opportunities already provided by local clubs, rather than replace them.

FC Isle of Man hopes that, over time, the women’s team can provide an additional pathway for players to develop and experience competition beyond the island.

The club is also inviting local businesses to become involved as sponsors and commercial partners, helping to support the development of the women’s team.

Pope added: ‘We are not pretending that everything will happen overnight. We want to build this properly, give the women the support they deserve and create something sustainable that the island can be proud of.’

‘Our ambition is simple: to give Manx players every opportunity to progress without having to leave the Island.’

Further information about the team’s progress, friendly fixtures and sponsorship opportunities will be announced through the club’s official channels.