Richard Dean
Updated on: October 8, 2024 4:57 pm GMT
Portsmouth Women prepare for the challenges of a new season in the Women’s Championship as they transition into a fully professional setup for the first time. The team, emerging from a successful campaign in the National League, is teeming with ambition as they get ready to face some of the best clubs in the country.
A Leap into Professionalism
Portsmouth’s journey from the semi-professional National League to the full-time Championship is not just a sporting milestone but a significant life change for players like Jaz Younger and Ava Rowbotham. Having stormed to the National League Southern Division title last season with an impressive record of 20 wins from 22 matches, the club is now gearing up for the competitive environment of the Championship.
Jazz Younger, the club’s longest-serving player, expressed how moving to full-time training has revolutionized their routines. “Before going professional, I had a landscaping job and was working long hours after which I would arrive at training late and exhausted. Now, with full-time football, we have structured days that allow for proper rest and recovery,” Younger shared with BBC Sport.
The Emotional Transition
For many players, the transition into professional football is laden with mixed emotions. Ava Rowbotham, who recently graduated from teacher training, described the moment she learned she would be a professional footballer as “pure emotion and relief.” She reflected on how this opportunity has been a culmination of years of hard work: “It was something I had worked for my entire life, so for that to pay off was just incredible.”
As the team embraces their new professional identity, they find themselves better equipped to meet the demands of the Championship. Previously juggling employment and football, the players are now able to focus solely on their sport, allowing them to refine their skills and increase their performance levels.
Facing Competitive Rivals
This season, Portsmouth faces the daunting task of competing against clubs with considerable financial backing and star-studded rosters. Teams such as Newcastle United and London City Lionesses have made headlines with significant signings, heightening the stakes for Pompey as they gear up for the new season.
Younger, while acknowledging the challenges ahead, remains optimistic about her team’s progress. “Portsmouth has never been in this position before, and we are all excited to show what we can do. The first game against Charlton on September 8th will set the tone for our season,” she noted.
Intensive Training and Strategy
With the new professional structure, Portsmouth is adopting a high-intensity approach to training. Rowbotham explained, “Our training now involves having breakfast, gym work, and nutritional meals, which make a considerable difference compared to last year when we were trying to fit training around long working days.”
Head coach Jay Sadler’s strategy emphasizes aggressive, high-pressing football which led the squad to dominate their previous league. “Our manager uses the word intensity. We want to win our battles and play aggressively,” Younger emphasized. This approach has been vital in preparing the squad for the demands of the Championship and in attempting to secure their place in the competitive landscape.
A Rivalry Renewed
As the season unfolds, players are looking forward to a highly anticipated match against Southampton on October 13. This rivalry, steeped in history, garnered attention last season during the Women’s FA Cup, where Southampton narrowly defeated Portsmouth. Both clubs now look forward to this clash with excitement and anticipation, as Rowbotham conveyed, “It’s one of the games you want to play.”
Challenges Ahead
Despite their ambitious preparations, Portsmouth acknowledges the challenges facing them. By early September, only 14 women’s players were listed on the club’s website, requiring intense efforts to build a competitive squad capable of sustaining their Championship status.
The players and coaching staff are united in their determination to meet these challenges head-on. Portsmouth is ready to embrace their status as underdogs, pushing themselves to compete fiercely in what is predicted to be one of the most competitive seasons ever in the Women’s Championship.
Your Source for More Details
To keep up with the Portsmouth Women and their journey in the Championship, check out their social media accounts. You can find out about match schedules and learn more about the players. The team is working really hard and showing great spirit as they take on this exciting new chapter.
