Plymouth Argyle Ladies are to be rebranded as Plymouth Argyle Women’s FC, and will now come fully under the umbrella of the Argyle Community Trust.
This move places our Women’s team as a full-time member of the Argyle family, providing a clear pathway for female footballers through the Trust’s development programme.
Argyle chief executive officer, Andrew Parkinson, said: “We are delighted to have been able to complete the rebrand of our women’s team, in line with the club’s Vision and Values and the ‘One Argyle’ philosophy, and provide robust support to the club through our outstanding Community Trust.”
The Argyle Community Trust has proudly developed a flourishing programme for women and girls, including the hugely popular Premier League Girls’ Football sessions, Wildcats for Primary School players taking their first steps on the ladder, and an Advanced Development Centre for elite performers.
The pathway to Plymouth Argyle Women’s FC and the Women’s Under-23 team is clearer than ever, with the senior team now benefiting from daily interaction, improved governance and consistent financial support from the Trust.
Based at Home Park and the Manadon Sports Hub, which is also the confirmed home venue for Plymouth Argyle Women’s FC, the Trust will provide even greater connections between the men’s first-team and the women’s game.
“The further integration of Plymouth Argyle Women’s FC into the Argyle Family will help us to shape a club which provides progression, opportunities and accessibility for female footballers within the South West,” said Mark Lovell, Argyle Community Trust chief executive officer.
“There is a lot of work to be undertaken but, with the support of the club, the Trust, respective partners and a committee of volunteers, we can ensure our female footballers, of all ages, are given the platform to succeed.
“The significant investment made by the club and Trust is a signal of our intention to develop the female game in our region.”
Plymouth Argyle Women’s FC will be fully immersed into the Argyle Vision and Values, as we seek to develop a sustainable club for years to come, ensuring talented and enthusiastic female footballers are given professional guidance to build for the future.
The Argyle Community Trust Pledge:
New playing kits for the Women’s first-team and Under-23 Development squad.
A financial injection of £20,000 to the women’s programme for next three seasons.
A dedicated team of staff committed to developing football opportunities for women and girls.
Transportation for the Under-23 Development squad
Ongoing governance, plus financial and fundraising support.
The Plymouth Argyle Football Club Pledge:
Coach travel for the Plymouth Argyle Women’s first-team.
A financial partnership with the club’s main sponsor, Ginsters, who will now also sponsor Plymouth Argyle Women’s.
Medical support in partnership with Nuffield Health.
A commitment to host games at Home Park for Plymouth Argyle Women’s FC whenever the schedule allows.
Chris Smietanka, Chairman of Plymouth Argyle Women’s FC, added: “There is now a connected and cohesive playing pathway for girls from the age of three through to the Women’s first-team.
“We currently have girls’ centres running in both Devon and Cornwall, and an Advanced Development Centre operating in Plymouth on a Wednesday evening, which provides girls with the experience of playing across the country against some of the more developed and established clubs, and the best players.
“We are extremely proud to have four players from the Plymouth Argyle Advanced Development Centre progressing on the England Talent Pathway, demonstrating the good work that is being undertaken by everyone involved.”
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]