Port Vale: Ladies in plea for players as they make Valiant bid for survival

THE Port Vale Ladies football team will have to fold in three weeks' time unless more players sign up.

While the Vale men's team are riding high in League Two, the women's team faces extinction after struggling to field a full side this season.

Player-manager Steph Thompson says players are desperately needed after an ultimatum from the West Midlands Division One North League.

The 22-year-old said: "We have played six games this season, but only one of those with 11 players. For the others we have only had just nine or 10 players.

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"It is demoralising not being able to play with a full team.

"In fact, I have cancelled our last four home games because I didn't want to put the players through that again.

"Now the league has told us we have to sort it out – or we'll have to fold."

Although the team share a name with Micky Adams' side, they don't have any official links with the Football League club.

However, they are supported by sponsors including SMJ Transport, Steph's father's business.

Vale Ladies play their home games at Bradeley Sports Development Centre.

To join, players play an initial £30 registration fee and then £5 a week subs, whether they are at home or away.

Thompson said players aged 16 and above are needed to save the club.

She added: "It's very upsetting. I have been a player here for eight years and I have another player who has been with us for 10 years.

"It would be incredibly sad news if we had to fold as all the hard work everyone involved has put in over the years would seem to have been for nothing.

"We need to keep this club going for the girls, for the representation of women's football and for the local area."

Players interested in joining Port Vale Ladies can contact Steph Thompson by emailing steph_pvlfc@hotmail.co.uk.

MICHAEL BAGGALEY