FC Isle of Man gets FA approval

A new Manx football club is now a reality after it received approval to become a member of the Isle of Man Football Association this week.

FC Isle of Man has announced this week it's become officially affiliated with the association after the Manx FA and associated clubs voted in favour of allowing the new club to become an FA member for the 2020-21 season in October last year.

The first concept of the club was looked into in August last year with the long-term aim of competing in the English Non-League system to give local players the opportunity for further competition.

The following month those behind the idea then spoke with other teams across the Island to hear their thoughts on the proposals, before FC Isle of Man then appointed manager, Chris Bass, in February this year.

Club chairman, Gary Weightman, says: "There have been many steps to take along the way for FC Isle of Man, but it is affiliation to the Isle of Man FA that makes us a football club, not a dream. 

"It is testament to the hard work, dedication, and tenacity of the whole FC Isle of Man committee that we have come this far, mainly through the inspiration and vision of  (FC IOM Director of Football) Paul Jones.

"There are still big challenges ahead for the club, we can meet and overcome them and fulfil the dream of an Isle of Man football team playing in the National League System in England."