FC Isle of Man will play its first ever football match against Guernsey FC at the Bowl on Saturday, August 15, kicking off at 6.30pm.

The date coincides with the opening day of the Manx football season, the late kick-off time allowing players and fans of the domestic leagues plenty of time to head to the national stadium in time for the Ravens’ first game.

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, FC IoM commented: ’The air corridor recently introduced by the authorities of the respective islands has allowed us to organise this game.

’This will be a significant moment in the club’s history and everyone at FC Isle of Man is eagerly anticipating the prospect of providing our island’s community the opportunity to see an FC Isle of Man team take to the field for the first time.

’We are particularly pleased that our first opponents in this inaugural game for the club will be Guernsey FC. The national teams of both islands have maintained a friendly rivalry for many years having faced each other on numerous occasions in Island Games tournaments in the past.

’More poignantly, it was Guernsey FC who became the first offshore club side to apply and compete in the FA National League System and they have been a significant inspiration to all at FC Isle of Man in establishing our own club.

’We will be issuing ticket information in relation to the game in the coming days.’