Football: Concerns surface over women & girls game in Island strategy

FA publishes plan up to 2028 to grow the local game

Nearly 70 per cent of women believe women and girls don't get equal opportunity in football to train and play compared to men and boys.

It's one of the findings from a survey on the new four-year strategy from 2024 to 2028 for the Isle of Man Football Association which has been published.

Among the other statistics 52 per cent of women think there are barriers to female participation whilst 58 per cent think female players don't have the same access as their male counterparts to kit, equipment and volunteer support.

Revealing the strategy, the association itself says it's 'dedicated to making football accessible and enjoyable for all regardless of age, ability or background.'

Stakeholders in the local game were surveyed on numerous different aspects of Island football both playing and non-playing.

Among those, 64 per cent of those who responded to the survey were of the belief that groundskeepers need greater support.

Player, official and supporter conduct was another area feedback was sought on - 41 per cent rated player and official on-field behaviour as concerning whilst 44 per cent were concerned about coach and supporter off-pitch behaviour.

Meanwhile, the top three frustrations from referees were feeling unappreciated by players (50 per cent); spectator and parent behaviour (38 per cent) and portrayal of match officials on social media (31 per cent).

One of the FA's goals around the female game is to grow the number of players in women and girls football locally by just over 400 to 1,237 by 2028.

Another going forward is to deliver more 3G pitches across the Isle of Man, although no specific numbers are being quoted at this stage.

In its objectives to tackle poor behaviour, the FA is aiming to 'proactively educate' offenders of misconduct, discrimination and aggravated cases; 'Galvanise' welfare officer workforce through education and support as well as support and educate referees with report writing and scenario management.

Elsewhere, IOMFA says survey results show 71 per cent of respondents felt they were a welcomed part of the Manx football community.

Among some of the strengths the organisation feels it has are good connections with Special Olympics IoM when it comes to disability football; Over £300,000 committed across 19 clubs to the FA Grass Pitch Improvement Programme over a ten-year period and strong partnerships with the Department of Education, Sport & Culture for delivering football in schools for curricular or extra-curricular sessions.

You can find the link to the strategy HERE.