Two of the factors that define Portsmouth as a City are its’ Naval heritage and its football team. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to see our magnificent victory at Wembley last week which will take us forward to the FA Cup Final against Cardiff on May 17th. For our wonderful fans, which have supported Portsmouth through good times and bad this was a well deserved victory. As a third generation Pompey gal, listening to the Pompey Chimes echoing around the new Wembley stadium brought a lump to my throat. I’m sure they’re going to go all the way this year and recreate the victory of 1939, the last time we won the FA cup.

But important though games like these are, football is much more than just high profile matches – it’s a universal language. From the First World War Christmas Day truce when the German and British soldiers played football, to today’s soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan kicking a football around with local lads, football has the power to transcend race, religion and international conflict.

And closer to home, football plays a vital part in combating anti-social behaviour and building strong communities. I am very proud of the work that PFC have done to stamp out racism and hooliganism connected with football in the City and the Faith in Football project championed by Linvoy Primus is working  hard to help disadvantaged kids in and around Portsmouth. I have also visited many schools where there are strong partnership links with Portsmouth Football Club where players give up their time to motivate young people.

Pompey are about to embark on a new phase in their 110 year history with a brand new state of the art stadium, a great opportunity to involve the local community right from the start, and make sure all the people of Portsmouth feel part of and have a pride in this exciting project.

Pompey Football Club supporters are regularly judged the most loyal and vocal among all the British clubs. I can’t wait for the Chimes to ring out again at Wembley next month. Play up Pompey.