Young footballers from the Isle of Wight are being given a helping hand in pursuing their dreams of playing at a higher level, thanks to support from ferry operator Wightlink.
The cross-Solent ferry company has teamed up with Portsmouth FC to make it easier for talented Island youngsters to attend training sessions and matches on the mainland, saving families hundreds of pounds over the course of a season.
For many years, Portsmouth FC has offered opportunities to young players from the Isle of Wight, with Pompey in the Community providing coaching to hundreds of aspiring footballers.
However, taking advantage of these opportunities often involves regular ferry crossings, adding high costs for families supporting their children’s ambitions.
Among those benefiting from Wightlink’s support are BTEC Sport students George Hirons, Ollie O’Neil, Pippa Douglas, Rosie Porter and Aimee Rann.
The 2-year course offers a football-focused alternative to a traditional college experience.
A further 7 Islanders – Rocco Hayles, Harrison Lee, Kasia Delaney, Florence Homes, Nina Dubyk, Gracie Ord and Evalyn Bartlett – attend Pompey’s Junior Premier League training sessions.
Belle Eklund also travels to the mainland to attend the club’s weekly Emerging Talent Centre.
A spokesperson for Pompey in the Community has said:
“The younger kids are in our Junior Premier League teams and the programme is designed to help them improve and progress within a structured, professional football environment.”
For the family of young footballer Rocco Hayles, the support has made an opportunity possible that would otherwise have been out of reach.
Rocco’s parent has said:
“Living on the Isle of Wight has so many advantages, but for young footballers it can also create barriers.
“Playing the same opposition week after week inevitably limits development, and progressing to the next level often means travelling to the mainland.
“Being part of Pompey in the Community means regularly travelling to the mainland for training and matches. Without support from Wightlink, this opportunity simply wouldn’t have been possible for our family.
“These passes are about so much more than travel. They give Rocco the chance to step outside his comfort zone, challenge himself against different teams, experience new styles of play and higher physical intensities, and continue chasing his dream.
“Wightlink’s support and generosity has given a young boy the chance to dream big and see just how far hard work and determination can take him.”
Kirstie Higgins-Day, Wightlink’s Head of Business Development, has said:
“We’re proud to support young footballers from the Isle of Wight as they develop their skills within the Portsmouth FC structure.
“We know the commitment involved for families, both in terms of time and cost, and we’re pleased to make that journey a little easier and help these young players make the most of the opportunities available to them.”
