Exciting times ahead for Plymouth Argyle women

THERE are high hopes for the future of Plymouth Argyle Women Football Club, but the immediate priority is the Women's FA Cup first-round tie against Ilminster Ladies at Home Park tomorrow, with a 2pm kick-off.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

It was announced earlier this month that Argyle WFC will come under the ownership and management of Plymouth Argyle FC from the Argyle Community Trust from the start of the 2024/25 season.

The planned £21 million redevelopment of Brickfields into a permanent home for Argyle's academy will also provide Argyle WFC with a home ground, instead of using multiple different venues as they have done in recent times.

Currently, Argyle WFC are ninth out of 12 teams in the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division effectively the third tier in this country with three wins from nine games.

Manager Ryan Perks has welcomed the prospect of Argyle WFC coming under the control of PAFC and believes getting into the Women's Championship - the second tier - is a realistic target.

"I just think it's a really positive step in the right direction. We have been working hard behind the scenes with the club (PAFC). It just grows the women's game in the city and hopefully we can progress up the leagues in the coming years.

"We have got some good youngsters coming through the club and now I think with the announcement it gives us the opportunity to keep them here and it becomes a more attractive football club to come to now it's under the banner of the main club."