Mary Rose is reimagined as she 'returns' to the city as Pompey Women's new mascot

Developed in collaboration with the Mary Rose Trust, the character reflects the club’s deep connection to the city’s naval history and is a reimaging of the ship whose remains are preserved in the city at the Mary Rose Museum in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.

Supporters will see Mary Rose in action pre-match, meeting fans and joining the team as they walk out, wearing the number 82 on her back in tribute to 1982, the year the Mary Rose was raised from the Solent.

The Mary Rose is one of the most significant ships in British history. Built in 1509 as part of King Henry VIII’s fleet, she sank in the Solent in 1545 before being raised in 1982.

Her return follows a recent photoshoot at the Mary Rose Museum, where Pompey Women players Jazz Ball, Jazz Younger, Hannah Coan and Meg Hornby visited the historic ship after International Women’s Day.

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Dominic Jones, Mary Rose Trust’s CEO, said: “The Mary Rose is, at its heart, a Portsmouth story.

“She was built here, crewed by the people of this city, defended Portsmouth, and ultimately came to rest in its waters.

“She was rediscovered, raised, and is now shared with the world through Portsmouth’s Mary Rose Museum.

“We’re thrilled to see the return of the Mary Rose mascot standing proudly alongside Portsmouth Women’s football team, two Portsmouth icons together, celebrating the spirit and heritage of this remarkable city. Play up Pompey.”

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Portsmouth FC’s chief commercial officer, Mark Judges, said: “This is about celebrating who we are as a club and a city. Pompey Women are a central part of Portsmouth Football Club and our wider community.

“We’re proud to continue our collaboration with the Mary Rose Trust and look forward to seeing supporters welcome her back on Sunday.”

Brooke Chaplen, Pompey Women’s head of football, added: “Bringing Mary Rose back as a modern mascot felt incredibly natural for us because it reflects who we are as a club and where we come from.

“Reimagining her for the women’s team gives us the chance to honour that heritage while presenting it through a fresh, female lens.

“The Mary Rose represents resilience, history and community, values that mirror the journey of the women’s game here in Portsmouth.”

Mary Rose will return on Sunday as Pompey Women host Bristol City at Westleigh Park (2pm kick-off).

The club continues to develop a family-focused matchday experience around the women’s team, with community partnerships at the heart of that growth.

Mary Rose will play an important role in that atmosphere, joining Nelson and the Pompey Sailor as part of the club’s wider matchday tradition. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to meet Mary Rose and be part of her return.

For tickets and more details visit www.eticketing.co.uk/pompeyfc/EDP/Event/Index/1634