Meet the only all-girls football club in Hampshire – and they’re based here in Portsmouth

City Ladies FC were formed in the summer and are running two teams at under-14 level - the Emeralds and the Rubys - in the 2020/21 Hampshire Girls League.

Chairman Dave Allen said the decision to create a new club was underpinned by the decision to ensure all girls had a chance to play - whatever their ability.

‘Where we were before (under the umbrella of a boys club), we didn’t think the girls were getting equal opportunities,’ he outlined.

‘We’re the only all-girls club in Hampshire - every other one, as far as we know, is associated with a boys club.

‘Our uniqueness is that we’re purely focused on getting girls involved in football.

‘We won’t turn anyone away. We know some girls just want to play with their friends, have a social game, and others will want to progress as far as they can.

‘We don’t want them to get to 16/17 and then say ‘ok, now make your own way in the world.’

‘We want to provide a pathway into adult football - our aim is to have a City Ladies team playing in the Hampshire Women’s League.’

Allen continued: ‘It’s been brilliant so far.

‘It’s just great to see the girls wanting to get involved in football.

‘They all turn up smiling, having fun, wanting to learn and develop.’

Allen is the coach of one under-14 team, with Charlie Bond - a player with Chichester & Selsey Women - coaching the other.

Games are currently suspended during lockdown, but home matches are played at Langstone Harbour and Rugby Camp on Saturday mornings.

There is some good travelling involved in the Hampshire League - other teams in the Emeralds’ league are based in Chineham, near Basingstoke, Tadley Calleva, Fordingbridge and Mudeford, near Bournemouth.

The City Ladies plan is to expand in 2021/22 with teams at under-14, under-15 and under-16 level.

Anyone wanting further information on the club can contact Allen at Portsmouthcityladie[email protected] or 07955 780149.