Portsmouth FC Women have bolstered their player pathway with the addition of a Development Team for the upcoming 2020/21 season.
This move will not only support the first team – who currently compete in the Women’s National League – but also enable the next generation of female footballers, in and around the city, to graduate through the youth set-up and into senior football.
The newly formed team will bridge the gap between Pompey in the Community’s Girls BTEC Programme and the senior side.
It will offer additional playing opportunities, alongside the current college games programme, to support the development of all those who enrol.
Blues boss Jay Sadler was delighted with the news. He said: “The launch of the women’s Development Team is fantastic news for the club.
"It not only echoes our ambition and the direction we are going in, but enables girls of all ages to represent this historic club."
“Now we have bridged the gap from under-16s and can offer a clear pathway from foundation right through to the first team.
“It not only echoes our ambition and the direction we are going in, but enables girls of all ages to represent this historic club.”
Chairman Eric Coleborn added: “This is fantastic news for the Pompey family. A big thank you must go to Pompey in the Community and our volunteers at Pompey Women for all their hard work in making this happen.”
The development team adds to the ever-growing female player pathway, which starts with PitC’s school and community provisions – where pupils can begin their footballing journey, either in school sessions or holiday courses and development camps.
Players aged between 10 and 17 will be given the opportunity to become a part of PitC’s Elite Football Development Programme (Junior).
Their Girls BTEC Programme will be aiming to provide students to play in the Development Team, alongside their studies and responsibilities with PitC.
The development set-up will also be recruiting externally, offering opportunities to youngsters in the local area, as well as linking up with main club partner, the University of Portsmouth.
For more details on the Development Team, or to register your interest, please click here.