Wight Eagles Fly High To Fratton Park

Wight Eagles Academy players, accompanied by Academy U11 manager Tom Seymour

Keen youngsters from Wight Eagles FC crossed the Solent with Wightlink for a thrilling afternoon of football.

The under 11 female Academy players were bound for Fratton Park to watch a Women’s Championship league match and cheered as Portsmouth FC Women secured a 2-1 victory over Sunderland AFC Women.

“We were thrilled to provide the Wight Eagles with the chance to watch a high-level women’s football match close to home,” says Sam Woodman, Partnerships Marketing Manager at Wightlink.

“At Wightlink, we believe in supporting local communities and talent and are delighted that we could give these girls a memorable experience as they continue to develop their skills and passion for the game.”

Grace, one of the U11 players for Wight Eagles, added:

“I really enjoyed watching the women’s football and hope one day that I can play professionally, like the girls I saw.”

Although there are several football clubs for female players on the Isle of Wight, Wight Eagles is the only one offering both girls and ladies the opportunity to develop their skills and play competitive games in the FA county league.

In March, the Wight Eagles Academy Under 13 side were crowned champions of Hampshire League division three.

Dan Verstraeten, Manager of Wight Eagles FC, said:

“For our Academy players, having the chance to witness live football at this level is an invaluable experience.

"We are incredibly grateful to Wightlink for offering this fantastic opportunity, providing cross-Solent travel and for their ongoing support of our club.

"We are building on the international success of the Lionesses, which has energised the future of girls’ football in England and right across the UK.”

Wightlink is proud to support Wight Eagles FC, based in East Cowes through its Wightlink in the Community scheme.

There are 36 players in the Ladies squad. The Academy youth squad was set up in 2019 and now has U11, U13 and U15 sides.