Ipswich Town Women: Portman Road game can leave a legacy, says Sheehan

With the men's exciting Championship promotion push pausing for international action, the Tractors Girls have been given the chance to take centre stage for the first time.

The third-tier side normally play in front of 400-500 people at the AGL Arena in Felixstowe on Sunday afternoons, but more than 7,000 tickets have been sold for this weekend's clash with Chatham Town (3pm) and the hope is the attendance will top 10,000.

"This game is bigger than the result," said Sheehan. "This is an opportunity to showcase a level that can inspire so many. I think success this Saturday will be measured by how many young girls go home, look at the sky that night and dream of playing at this stadium one day.

Joe Sheehan, pictured speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's historic game. (Image: Ross Halls)

"My message to the players will be, 'Go and play for a younger version of yourselves. Try and make sure the young girls watching have some role models they can look up to and try to follow.' 

“It’s going to be a really special day that is going to be absolutely huge for this community over the next five, 10, 15 years."

Captain Maria Boswell said: "When myself and a lot of the girls were younger, the game was still in a growth stage. We didn’t have many women’s footballers to look up to. 

“Now it’s great that girls in Suffolk can hopefully look up to us and see the pathway they could go on to potentially play for a club they love and support. 

Tractor Girls captain Maria Boswell signs autographs for supporters. (Image: Ross Halls)

“We all understand the responsibility that we have to conduct ourselves professionally and to make sure we are available to engage with young girls after the games and take photos. We see that as an honour rather than a pressure."

The defender added: "We've seen with the Lionesses, and with Arsenal and Newcastle selling out the Emirates and St James' Park, how much appetite and interest there is in the women's game now.

“It’s just going to be an amazing day. Hopefully one day this becomes the norm. That’s what we’re all hoping for. "

All four lower tiers at Portman Road are open on Saturday, as is the FanZone. Tickets for the game are priced at £6 for adults, £4 for seniors (65+) and £2 for Under-19s, with Super Blues members receiving a £1 discount. 

Ipswich Town Women's captain Maria Boswell hopes she and her team-mates can inspire the next generation of players this weekend. (Image: Ross Halls)