THE ISLE of Wight's leading football club, Cowes Sports, has brought men's and women's football together under one banner thanks to an agreement with Cowes Ladies FC.
Now known as Cowes Sports Ladies, the Hampshire Women's League outfit were established in January 2017 — playing on public and community pitches around Cowes.
However, with continual growth for both the ladies team and women’s football in general, and with the addition of a youth team to the club, it was clear they needed a more permanent home.
Following discussions they began with the Yachtsmen last year, the team, nicknamed The Roes, will now play its matches at Westwood Park come the new season — a huge benefit to a club desperate not to want to relocate away from the town.
"Throughout the whole process, the board and management of Cowes Sports have been hugely supportive of the ladies and our club's aims" said Cowes Sports Ladies manager, Laurence Chick.
"Thanks to their help and continued support, Cowes Sports Ladies will be able to go on to bigger and better things and continue the development of women’s football on the Isle of Wight.
“On behalf of Cowes Ladies I’d like to thank the Isle of Wight Community Club and all those involved. It’s where it all started back in 2017 and it will always be a proud part of our history.
"The Community Club will continue to host our U-18s ladies team.
“We now move in the right direction and on to a bright future, being able to call Westwood Park our home.
"To be part of the Cowes Sports family is an amazing feeling. Over a year of communication and hard work has paid off and I can’t wait to welcome our first opponents to our new home.
“A big thank you to all at Cowes Sports that have helped and advised us to this point and continue to make us feel welcome and comfortable.”
Cowes Sports first team boss, Max Draper, echoed Laurence's sentiments.
“This is great news and another statement of intent for the club as a whole," he said.
"Connecting with the ladies is a great opportunity to expand the playing structure and I have no doubt they will be a great asset to the club for many years to come.
“After talking to the ladies' management team and their committee you can see they're ambitious and want to progress — and what better time to start than now with the new chapter at the club.
“We are proud to welcome them as part of the Cowes Sports family and I personally will do as much as I can to support them in their transition to Westwood — and do anything I can to help them achieve their goals."
- If you are interested in becoming a part of Cowes Sports Ladies, visit info@cowesladiesfc.co.uk
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