Watch: Supporting Vagabonds Ladies

Vagabonds Ladies, and the Steam Packet have created a special video charting the journey of the team and their aspirations for the future.

The video has been released to coincide with International Women’s Day.

The five-minute video shows how the sport has brought women from different walks of life together, how it encourages female empowerment, has created a social community, and develops confidence.

‘We started Vagabonds Ladies because there were no other ladies teams on the island and there was a growing interest towards the sport,’ said Joanne McCabe from Vagabonds Ladies.

‘It was a bit controversial at the time because there was some resistance since it was a male-dominated sport. When we decided to have a go at the UK leagues we went in a social league and we won that, then we won the next one, and the next one. It became a bit of a big deal that we were the pioneers of doing that. It felt special, but at the same time, it didn’t feel any different. It just felt like just another sport that women are having a go at and succeeding.’

IOMSPC has supported Vagabonds Ladies since 2022 with travel to and from the island through its Manx Community Assistance schemes.

Brian Thomson, IOMSPC Managing Director, said: ‘We are proud to tell the story of the Vagabonds Ladies club and celebrate the fantastic community and opportunities they have created for women on the island. We are delighted to support the team and the wider Manx community through our range of schemes and would encourage any teams or individuals who could use assistance to get in touch.’