‘Phenomenal’ response from ‘special’ Portsmouth Women squad to sign up for NHS volunteer scheme

And he feels that is being illustrated superbly by the services of support they are offering during the coronavirus epidemic.

The Pompey Women boss revealed nearly half of his playing squad and staff have signed up to the NHS volunteer scheme to help where they can to fight the pandemic.

Those who are getting involved temporarily with the health service might well bump into team-mate Rosie McDonnell, who has been flat out on the frontline as the UK attempts to stem to Covid-19 outbreak.

The defender and Royal Navy nurse is working tirelessly at the QA Hospital providing care for those that need it at the most difficult of times.

Meanwhile, personal trainer and Pompey striker Jade Widdows is playing her part to keep spirits up.

She is uploading fitness videos to YouTube and Twitter for children and adults to stay active while the country is on lockdown.

And Sadler could not be more proud.

‘I believe nearly half have signed up (for the NHS scheme),' he said.

‘It’s outstanding really.

‘I know a lot of people have in the UK, but I didn’t expect that many from our squad to as well.

‘The girls and the staff who would usually be training two or three times a week and playing, there’s a lot of added time that we wouldn’t normally have.

‘Some of them are utilising that with the voluntary scheme which is phenomenal.

‘One of our players, Rosie McDonnell, is in the NHS so she’s been working countless hours and I’ve been in contact with her.

'She’s a Royal Navy nurse at the QA and one that we are all applauding massively.

‘We’re very grateful for her efforts and the rest of the NHS staff.

‘Jade Widdows has got an online video now. She’s a PT and is doing free sessions for kids in the local area and is trying to help out.'

During his three years at the club, Sadler has tried to sound out the right characters to join him at Pompey.

Now, with the steps his current group are taking, he said it would be tough to find a better squad.

‘It’s three years of getting the right people in and keeping the right people - all good people,' he added.

‘Yes, they can play football, but football is a little bit more than just a game.

‘You’ve got to have social attributes and psychologically be prepared for whatever could come your way.

‘It’s a very, very special group, I’ve mentioned that numerous times.

‘This group has been tested more than ever before this year with the postponements, games being called off and then this.

‘But there’s bigger things to be worrying about right now.

‘To find out most of the group are doing things around it is phenomenal.'