FC Isle of Man is delighted to announce the launch of its women’s football team, marking an exciting new chapter in the club’s development and its commitment to creating opportunities for footballers across the Isle of Man.
The initiative will begin with an open training and trial session on Tuesday 10 November 2026, from 8.00pm to 9.30pm at Colby AFC, with women interested in becoming part of the new team invited to register and attend.
The club intends to arrange six friendly fixtures as the team develops, with the longer-term ambition of participating in a competitive league from the following season, subject to the necessary arrangements and approvals.
The launch is being driven by an enthusiastic group of people committed to developing women’s football on the Island.
Donna Harrison will lead the team as manager, supported by Sarah Wignall and Becky Corkish, with Luke Stewart and Ruairi Mooney as coaches.
The initiative also has the full support of the FC Isle of Man Board, with Chairman David Pope taking responsibility at board level and Gaz Lloyd providing safeguarding oversight.
A new opportunity for women’s football
Speaking about the launch, FC Isle of Man Chairman David Pope said: “This is something we have wanted to achieve for some time, and I am absolutely delighted that we are now in a position to get it moving.
“FC Isle of Man has always been about more than just the results of our men’s first team. We want to create opportunities, bring people together and build a club that the whole Island can feel part of.”
“As always, our aim is not to detract from or adversely affect the local game, but to enhance it. We want to work alongside existing clubs and build on the excellent work already being done to develop women’s and girls’ football across the Island.”
“We also have to recognise that our young people deserve opportunities to develop and compete at the highest level their abilities allow, without feeling they have to leave the Isle of Man to pursue them.”
“Jersey and Guernsey are continually developing their sporting opportunities, and there is no reason why the Isle of Man should not have similar ambitions. We want to provide a pathway that encourages our young players to remain on the Island, while giving them opportunities to experience football beyond our shores.”
“This is about adding to what we already have, creating opportunities and strengthening Manx football for the future.”
“The enthusiasm of Donna, Sarah, Bex and everyone involved has been fantastic. They have put an enormous amount of energy into getting us to this stage, and they deserve our full support.”
“We are starting sensibly, with regular training and a programme of friendly matches, but we have genuine ambitions to develop the team and hopefully move into league football next season.”“Most importantly, we want women who love football, or who would like to get involved again, to feel welcome. This is their opportunity to be part of something from the very beginning.”
Building for the future
The initial focus will be on establishing a strong and welcoming training environment, developing a committed group of players and building towards a programme of friendly fixtures.
The club’s intention is to complement the opportunities already provided by local clubs, rather than replace them. FC Isle of Man hopes that, over time, the women’s team can provide an additional pathway for Island players to develop and experience competition beyond the Isle of Man.
The club is also inviting local businesses to become involved as sponsors and commercial partners, helping to support the development of the women’s team.
David Pope added: “We would love to hear from Island businesses who want to help us make this a success. Supporting women’s football is a wonderful opportunity to make a genuine difference, and we want to build partnerships that will help the team grow over the coming years.”
“We are not pretending that everything will happen overnight. We want to build this properly, give the women the support they deserve and create something sustainable that the Island can be proud of.”
“Our ambition is simple: to give Manx players every opportunity to progress without having to leave the Island.”
First open training and trial session
Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026
Time: 8.00pm – 9.30pm
Venue: Colby AFC
Training will be every Tuesday at Colby AFC.
Further information about the team’s progress, friendly fixtures and sponsorship opportunities will be announced through FC Isle of Man’s official channels.
