'A big moment': Why Portsmouth hope Fratton Park switch can boost falling women attendances

Pompey Women are banking on a permanent switch to Fratton Park to help boost falling attendances.

And long-serving boss Jay Sadler has hailed the relocation from Westleigh Park as ‘one of the biggest moments’ in his 10 years with the Blues.

Following relegation from the WSL2, from next season all Pompey Women’s home National League Southern Premier Division games will be hosted at Fratton Park.

WSL2 struggles have taken its toll on Blues crowds, last season slumping from 1,129 against Sheffield United in September 2025 to just 651 present for the visit of Bristol City in March.

Overall, they averaged 756 at the Hawks in 2025-26, compared to a 1,629 average from their three Fratton Park games against Southampton, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest.

And, having finished the season with successive 1,200-plus attendances at PO2, despite relegation, Sadler is expecting to attract bigger crowds at their new permanent home.

‘We could see a real spike in growth’

He told The News: ‘There is a real thirst and hunger for families to want to come to Fratton Park.

‘It’s brilliant that those kinds of showcase games they put on to try to increase attendances will now become the norm - and we could then see a real spike in growth.

‘Everyone wants to go to Fratton Park, it’s the home of Portsmouth Football Club, it’s a fantastic facility. You can also offer food outlets and entertainment in the Fanzone.

‘Obviously men’s games are sold out every fortnight and tickets are very difficult to get hold of, but, with the diversity of the fan groups which come to the women’s game, we can now start to diversify and can accommodate all of those in that family environment.

‘Moving to Fratton Park on a permanent basis will be one of the biggest moments over my last 10 years at the football club. Not only to support the players, the staff and the product, but also for the accessibility of fans and hopefully we will see an increase in attendances.

‘Charlton play at The Valley and Birmingham play at St Andrew’s, but having the platform is one thing, you need to be using it to your advantage in the local area.

‘We have some really good traction in regards to people wanting to come along and now selling a season ticket where all 11 games will be played at Fratton Park. Hopefully we’ll have some really healthy figures.’

Averaged crowds of 1,028 in 2025-26

Pompey’s home gates overall averaged 1,028 last season - surpassing Charlton, Durham and Sheffield United.

The WSL2 average was 1,560, with only Newcastle (3,643) and Southampton (2,653) breaking the 2,000 barrier among the 12 member clubs.

However, that represented a fall in the league’s 2024-25 season average of 2,086 during Pompey’s first season at that level.

And having previously hired Westleigh Park for fixtures, with the non-leaguers also receiving the benefits of secondary spend at kiosk, the Hawks are hopeful it will not be the end of their partnership.

‘Unfortunately the gates were getting lower’

Hawks general manager Gary Pratt added: ‘In the main, we are still hopeful we will be working with Pompey.

‘They've only announced they have league fixtures down there. We think there might be some other fixtures, such as the League Cup, maybe the early rounds of the FA Cup and even pre-season games, which can take place here.

‘We have left it open for discussion subject to when they need the pitch and we are open to offers. The book isn’t shut, but obviously they are trying to increase the brand for the women’s side and have it at the main stadium - and good luck to them for that.

‘With the runs they were having, unfortunately the gates were getting lower, they were not attracting the support base they were hoping to get and kick on.

‘When they were here in the National League last time and top of the league, they were getting 1,200-1,300 for games. However, they were struggling to hit 6-700 in the WSL2.’

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