PORTADOWN FC LADIES' SHAMROCK PARK RETURN FURTHER EVIDENCE OF CLUB'S AMBITION

The growth of women's football at Portadown Football Club will come to the fore on Wednesday night when the senior ladies team plays at Shamrock Park.

It will be the first time in four years that the team has played at the Premiership ground, which recently celebrated Niall Currie's senior men's squad earning promotion back to the top flight.

Portadown Ladies will host Maiden City in Division 3 of the Northern Ireland Women's Football Association (7.45pm kick-off).

First-team manager Norman Allen said: "It is brilliant to have the team playing at Shamrock Park, which is such an iconic stadium here. All the girls are looking forward to what promises to be a special occasion, and hopefully we get a big crowd to cheer them on.

"We have been through a period of change in recent years which has seen us start this season in Division 3. We have a new committee who have a vision to see us climb the leagues and be a force again in the ladies' game. The committee have been so supportive having offered me the role at the end of last season and that really helps.

"We now have the same focus and desire. Having lost a lot of players last season we have had a great opportunity to start again. Our focus has been to recruit the right players in terms of both ability and attitude and that is starting to show on the pitch.

"We also have a great girls' academy and some of those players in the senior team with more to follow in the coming season.

"We have been able to build a coaching team as well with Jamie as coach, Danny as goalkeeper coach and Tom, our U13s girls' coach, supporting us so we can achieve more in each training session.

"We are in a state of progression and the biggest encouragement is the attitude and trust of the players. We are all enjoying our football and that makes a big difference. This is something we are all contributing to and building together.

"We are still recruiting players as the summer season does lead to players being away on holidays etc, and exams for some of our players, also have an impact. I would encourage anyone interested to get in touch and see if they can play their part in what we are building together."

First-team coach Jamie Chapman says the players are relishing the chance to step out at Shamrock Park, and hopes it is a sign of things to come in the future.

He said: "We do have a home pitch out at Bourneview Mill, but we are getting the chance to play at Shamrock Park in a one-off game. It is very exciting for everyone involved with the club.

"Wednesday night will be a big occasion, and it highlights the progress there has been at Portadown Ladies, and women's football in general.

"We haven't set ourselves any targets this season. The main aim is consolidating our position in the league and giving the girls a platform to build on for next season and beyond.

"We have some brilliant young players coming through the ranks, and next season will be the year where we want to push on. We want to keep this squad together and build on it."

Portadown FC also has a burgeoning girls' academy which is providing a conveyor belt of talent through to the senior team.

Jamie added: "We have teams running from Under 9 to U17, and then the senior team. A lot of the young girls will be ball girls and mascots on Wednesday night at Shamrock Park. Hopefully it shows them what they aspire to be, and one day they could play at Shamrock Park.

"The players and kids are so excited about Wednesday night. Not many players get to play at Shamrock Park. It is a historical stadium in Irish football. And with the senior men getting promoted recently, there is a feel-good factor around the club right now.

"It is great that a spotlight will be thrown onto our ladies team this Wednesday night and they have earned it. Hopefully they enjoy the occasion.

"We are hoping for a big crowd. Entry is free on the night and the game kicks off at 7.45pm, so please come along and enjoy the game.

"The women's game is booming right now and there is so much interest."

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2024-05-07T14:46:44Z dg43tfdfdgfd