Plymouth Argyle to take over club's women's side from next season

Plymouth Argyle are ninth in the third tier of English women's football

Plymouth Argyle will take over the club's women's team from the Argyle Community Trust in the summer.

The Pilgrims play in the third-tier FA Women's National League South, where they are in ninth place in the 12-team league after nine games.

It means on-field matters will, from next season, come under Argyle's director of football Neil Dewsnip.

The decision will see an increase in funding for the women's team, who will have access to off-field assistance.

Argyle say "extensive research and consultation" has taken place with players, stakeholders and the Football Association.

The women's team are set to play at the club's new Brickfields training ground when it is completed.

"This is an important step for the football club as we look to progress both on and off the pitch," said Dewsnip, who was on the backroom staff of the Canada side that won Olympic gold in 2021.

"As director of football it is my role to oversee all football activity across the club, and it is important that this is not exclusive to the men's team and academy.

"Having been involved in women's football previously I have seen the passion for the game that already exists as it continues to grow throughout the world.

"The success of the Lionesses has inspired the next generation of player, and it is vitally important that is the case in the South West and we provide opportunities for the stars of the future."