FC Isle of Man launches women's team, targeting league football in 2027/28

FC Isle of Man has announced it is forming a women’s team, starting with an open training and trial session at Colby AFC on Tuesday 10 November.

Isle of Man Today and Energy FM both reported that the session runs from 20:00 to 21:30, while Manx Radio gave the finish time as 21:00. According to Energy FM, training will then continue every Tuesday.

The club plans a programme of six friendly matches while the squad is built up, with entry to a competitive league as the longer-term goal. Energy FM reported that the target is the 2027/28 season. Isle of Man Today said league football would depend on the relevant arrangements and approvals being in place.

Donna Harrison has been appointed manager. Sarah Wignall and Becky Corkish will assist her, and Luke Stewart and Ruairi Mooney join as coaches. Manx Radio reported that Harrison coaches at Rushen United and that Corkish and Wignall play for Rushen.

At board level, the project is the responsibility of chairman David Pope, with Gaz Lloyd overseeing safeguarding, Isle of Man Today reported.

Manx Radio said the launch comes seven years after the club was founded. The men’s side, known as the Ravens, have spent the past six seasons in the North West Counties Football League.

Pope described the women’s team as “something we have wanted to achieve for some time” and said the club wanted to work with existing clubs rather than against them.

“Our aim is not to detract from or adversely affect the local game, but to enhance it,” he said.

He cited Jersey and Guernsey as islands that keep expanding their sporting opportunities. He said a pathway would encourage young players to stay on the island while still letting them experience football elsewhere.

The club said the new side is meant to sit alongside what local clubs already provide, not to take its place. It is also seeking support from island businesses through sponsorship and commercial partnerships.

Not everyone is convinced. Energy FM reported concerns from Dom Dawson, manager of Corinthians Women, in comments made before the new team was confirmed. He said clubs were already short of players and that drawing them away “could mean even fewer teams”.

Dawson also said the move “could be a fantastic opportunity”, but that it needed “a clear plan for protecting and growing the local game alongside it”.

Pope said the club was not expecting rapid change. “We are not pretending that everything will happen overnight,” he said.

According to Isle of Man Today, news of fixtures and sponsorship will be published through the club’s official channels.