Pompey Women boss Jay Sadler: For us to be labelled ‘non-elite’ is disrespectful

And the Blues boss is adamant his squad should be allowed to continue their Women's National League Southern Premier Division campaign during the nationwide lockdown.

Just as they were last season, Sadler's side have been branded 'non-elite', meaning they are unable to train or play matches because of the current grassroots football suspension.

But in the two divisions above Pompey - Super League and Championship - 'elite' clubs are still permitted to play.

Sadler stressed it's an insult to categorise his squad of players and the 'professionally' run club as grassroots.

And he insists discussions are required about how the future of the women's game is going to look post-pandemic.

Sadler said: ‘I don’t agree with how we’ve been labelled as amateur and grassroots.

‘I think the professional set up and these are sub-elite athletes who should be addressed in the correct manner.

‘For us to not be playing at all is a little bit disrespectful and hard to take, but we’ve had enough time to get over that hurdle and focus on what’s going to happen in the future.

'We’ve got players who have played professionally, we’ve got players who have played at international level, not only in our team but other teams as well, the all-time leading Wales goalscorer is playing in our league.

‘She’s now branded as amateur or grassroots.

‘I think the terminology of it doesn’t sit right to class us as grassroots, especially with the FA’s strategical plan. In their plan it states we’re the foundation of the professional game.

'I do think there have got to be sit down discussions about how the game is going to move forward through this pandemic.'

Pompey sit third in their division, three points behind leaders Watford with both clubs having played eight of their scheduled 22 matches.

Due to national lockdowns, they have only played once since November 1 - a 4-1 win against MK Dons at Westleigh Park on December 13.