By Isle of Wight Observer
Wight Eagles have launched a £10,000 fund-raising appeal to give their under-15 girls the chance to play football in Europe.
The Island’s only dedicated all-girls and ladies’ football club hopes to take the team to Belgium, where they will compete against Belgian opposition, near Bruges, and experience a different footballing culture.
The girls are the only Isle of Wight club competing in Division Two of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Girls’ Football League, regularly travelling across the Solent to face mainland opposition.
The club’s ‘Eagles Soar to Belgium’ campaign aims to raise £10,000 towards the trip, ensuring the opportunity is accessible to the whole team.
Team coach, Gordon Kirby, said: “These girls put so much into their football and regularly travel to the mainland to represent Wight Eagles and the Isle of Wight. Taking them to Belgium would be an incredible next step.
“It isn’t simply about going away and playing a couple of games. We want them to experience football in another country, meet and compete against girls of their own age from a different footballing background, and see where their own football journey could potentially take them.
“We’ve set ourselves an ambitious target of £10,000, so we’re asking the Isle of Wight community and local businesses to get behind the girls and help us make it happen.”
The appeal comes as Wight Eagles begin a new chapter after moving from East Cowes to Sandown Bay under a long-term agreement.
The club provides a pathway for female players to progress through youth football into the ladies’ game.
To support the appeal, visit iw.observer/eagles-belgium.