Women's sport in the spotlight at Gigg Lane

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League FC United of Manchester are backing the United Nation’s International Women's Day for the third year running today [Saturday] when they host King's Lynn Town at Bury's Gigg Lane.

The fan owned and run club first marked the United Nation's annual international celebration of women's economic, political, and social achievements on March 8 in 2012 with their now annual 'A woman's place is at the match' event.

Last year the Premier Division’s Rebels were praised in the House of Commons for their efforts which are taking place a week later this year as FCUM were away last weekend at Stocksbridge Park Steels.

FCUM established their first ever women's team last year and are planning to celebrate their recent success in reaching a first ever cup final as well as involving other sports from across the city in a series of events in the run-up to kick-off.

Women's sports teams, schools and supporting community groups have been offered free entry to the fixture. Off-field activities, including stalls, demonstrations and an exhibition, will climax before kick off with a pre-match pitch side parade of local women's sports teams and individual sportswomen.

FC United board member Kate Ramsey said: "This is a really important event for our club and we are delighted to have the backing of the Manchester FA for what we are doing.

"This year we are also looking to involve other sports from across the city, so we can develop the event as a celebration for all those who support women's involvement both in sports activities and management."