We are excited to share that we will be supporting local women’s football team Moneyfields in their upcoming local derby versus Selsey. Karl Watson’s team have been defying expectations, at least from those outside the club, since the first match of the season when they were disappointed to take a point from Exeter City, an established side in the division who had seen a massive financial injection over the summer from their men’s team.

Since launching the team in 2017, Moneyfields have climbed the women’s football pyramid with successive promotions through the Hampshire County Women’s leagues and the Southern Region Women’s Leagues. In May 2022, after two seasons lost to COVID, they finally secured a much-deserved promotion into the FA Women’s National League South West Division One, the fourth tier of women’s football.

For context, that is three divisions below the Women’s Super League, two below the Women’s Championship one league below local rivals Portsmouth and the likes of Watford, Oxford United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. All of whom can call upon wealthy male counterparts to supplement funding and provide first-class resources and facilities. 

Moneyfields and Portsmouth in the Community have entered into an agreement to fund a new sports facility within the city,  the John Jenkins Stadium. Hopefully, the facility will be complete this summer, but Moneyfields have been playing their home games at Fareham Town’s Cams Alders stadium, located just off Newgate Lane. ‘Fortress Cams Alders’ has been a happy hunting ground for Karl Watson’s side as they are yet to taste defeat at the ground.

‘Fortress Cams Alders’ has been a happy hunting ground for Karl Watson’s side as they are yet to taste defeat at the ground.

While the U18s are pushing to win their HGYFL Division One title, the Reserve team has already secured their league championship, winning their Hampshire County Division Two.

While the first team’s successful season is something to be enjoyed by those within the club, the club are most proud of the expanded women’s and girl’s section of the club. Prior to this season, outside of the first team, there was only one girls’ youth team within the club but now there are seven from U9s to U18s. Many of whom are having lots of success in their respective league. While the U18s are pushing to win their Hampshire Girls Youth Football League Division One title, the Reserve team has already recorded a league championship, winning their Hampshire County Division Two. With one game left to play, they have won every game bar one, a draw with Andover New Street.

Going into the match against Selsey, Moneyfields occupy third place in the division, above AFC Bournemouth, Southampton Women and Swindon Town.

Clubs like Moneyfields rely on the support of local businesses to be able to fund their season because sadly outside of the top two divisions of women’s football, the Super League and Championship, there is no prize money available outside of the Women’s FA Cup. In admiration of the great work going on in the club, we wanted to give something back to the club with a small gesture towards their match costs. We will also be donating some Strong Island goodies to supporters attending the match and will have the honour of naming the Player of the Match.

If you want to come down and join us at Cams Alders on April 5th (kick-off 19:45) then you can purchase your tickets at the gate, £5 for adults and all concessions are free. If you are unable to make it out on a school night then they are also at home this Sunday as they welcome Keynsham Town for a 14:00 kick-off. In the run up to the game we’ll be sharing lots of content about the club so keep an eye out on our socials.

The club welcome mascots for all home games and this can be arranged free of charge by emailing watson.moneyfieldsfc@outlook.com.

Website: moneyfieldsfootballclub.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/MoneyfieldsFCWomen
Twitter: twitter.com/MoneysFCWomen
Instagram: instagram.com/moneyfieldsfcwomen

Photos: Sheena Booker