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An existing pool of talent and the remarkable growth of the women’s game in England means it is the perfect moment to develop women’s football locally, senior club staff say.
The launch comes just a day after the men’s team had a gala dinner to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the club - something the women’s team should aim for, Assistant Coach Katie Watson said.
“They were reminiscing last night about the 10 years, all the memories and everything that they've had,” she said. “We've had a little glimpse of that through the Island Games last week - they're already talking about what happened last week.
“If we can give them years of memories like that, then we've done a good job.”
Anna Gauvain, Team Coach, added that the new team have been accepted into some cup competitions for the upcoming season, and friendly games will be planned around that to build up confidence and a public following.
Gauvain said the cup games are likely to be played off-island, but invitations would be offered to English teams to visit the Track or Footes Lane for some friendlies.
The team will then seek to enter a national league at a suitable level.
The women’s squad used in the Island Games provides a sizeable launchpad for the initial squad and jus a handful of extras will be required to field a full team, Watson said.
The finishing touches will be added in the coming months, and to ensure spectator demand is there: “We're not quite there yet, but I think as soon as we get playing and have a regular games program then people will follow us quite closely, and I think some of the girls that have been watching the UK matches on TV can then start to relate a little bit locally,” Gauvain said.
Pictured: Julia Hands became Chair of GFC in January.
Julia Hands, Chair of Guernsey Football Club, said she entered the role just months ago with the dream of launching a women’s side.
“I did have that idea, but I discovered very quickly it wasn't just my idea. It was a very commonly held goal and I think it's exactly where we should be going right now,” she said.
It’s something she pushed up the agenda due to love of football and the growing public and commercial interest in the women’s game.
“We had all the success in the UK with the women's team last year and we've got the World Cup. Then on the back of the Island Games, it's exactly the right moment to launch.”
Ms Hands echoed hopes of a club that could replicate the longevity of the men’s side.
“That would be a wonderful outcome, it really would be. I think we'll get there. I don't know how smooth the path will be and what we will meet along the way, but I am absolutely certain we'll get there,” she said.
Guernsey Football Club’s girls development officer already visit schools and invites people with talent to join the academy. If they’re good enough, they rise through the ranks.
As well as organising its first matches, the club is also seeking sponsors as part of its launch.
Pictured (top): Scott Ferbrache, assistant coach, Anna Gauvain, and Katie Watson.
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