Ex-Lioness excited for future of girls' football

The turnout at a showcase of girls' football was "testimony to the hard work" being done on the Isle of Man to develop the sport, a former Lioness has said.

Hundreds of players aged between six and 16 took part in the Isle of Man Football Association (IOMFA) event at the Bowl on Wednesday.

Guest of honour and Liverpool FC Women's Ambassador Natasha Dowie said she was “buzzing” to see “so many girls playing" the sport because it was "never the case" when she was younger.

The celebration of female players, referees, coaches and volunteers was designed to encourage more girls to get involved, organisers said.

A total of 18 club teams played at the showcase event

Held ahead of International Women's Day on Friday, a tournament played by local clubs was followed by national women's squad exhibition match overseen by a team of female referees from the English FA.

One of those officials, Broghan Kelly, said there had "not been a better time to get involved in women's’ refereeing" and she hoped Manx girls might think "we could do that too".

A team of female referees from the English FA travelled to the island to oversee the national side game

The event signalled the start of a new IOMFA campaign which aligns with the English Football For All scheme to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Interim chief executive Lewis Qualtrough said while it was "very much a growing sport", the body's focus would be on increased participation.

The Lionesses' success had been "seen and felt on the Isle of Man".

"What need to do know is make sure there's equal access to the game through training slots and facilities", he added.

Reflecting on the growth in interest in the women's game, Ms Dowie said schemes to support grass roots football were "the future of the game" and the opportunities to play on the island were "clear".

The former Liverpool, AC Milan and Everton striker said the pace of growth was "scary" and she was "excited" for the possibilities girls taking up the sport could have in the future.