CUP final glory beckons for the Jersey Bulls Under 16 Girls tomorrow in their debut season of English football.
The Jersey Bulls Under 16 Girls Academy will look to complete a remarkable first season in English competition by lifting the Sussex League Cup tomorrow when they face Bognor Regis in the final.
The islanders have swept their way to the showpiece occasion in emphatic fashion, scoring 34 goals in just three matches during a dominant cup run.
Bulls opened with an 18-0 victory over Crawley Down before defeating Worthing United 9-0 in the quarter-finals. Another impressive display followed in the semi-finals, where they overcame Southwater Royal 7-1 to secure their place in the final.
The achievement already marks a significant milestone for the academy side in their first season competing in the Sussex League, with the squad continuing to show the rapid progress being made within the Jersey Bulls girls’ pathway.
Academy Manager, Gavin Cadwallader said: “Reaching the final is already a huge achievement for this group. The girls have been outstanding all season, their commitment, attitude and work ethic have been excellent from day one.
“To reach a League Cup Final in our first season playing in the Sussex League is something the entire squad should be incredibly proud of. To go one step further and win silverware would be a fantastic reward for all the hard work they’ve put in throughout the season and would be a really special moment for both the players and the club.
“I think everyone is incredibly excited. Finals are special occasions, and for many of the girls this will be an experience they’ll remember for a very long time.
“We’ve been incredibly fortunate that Micron have kindly supported the trip, which has allowed us to travel over the night before. That makes a huge difference in terms of preparation, allowing the girls to be settled, rested and fully focused rather than facing a very early start and additional travel on match day. We’re hugely grateful for that support.”
At the heart of the side is goalkeeper Maggie Mann, whose bravery and reliability between the posts has provided confidence to the defence throughout the campaign.
Across the back line, Liberty Wilding has impressed at right-back with her energy and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, while captain Lauren Le Garignon has emerged as a key figure in central defence, bringing composure, leadership and organisation to the side.
Alongside her, Amy Guthrie has combined strength and competitiveness in defence, while also proving versatile enough to play further forward and already earning appearances for the Bulls Women’s senior team.
Lacey Thompson has also enjoyed a strong season at left-back through her determination and consistent work rate.
In midfield, Grace Clarke has been influential with her technical ability and creativity, while Keira Wild (below) has added quality on the ball and important goals from midfield with her cultured left foot.
Thea Thompson’s driving runs and attacking energy have also played a major role in the team’s success.
Out wide, Evie Smilek has offered pace and direct attacking play on the right, while Poppy Mapplebeck has added creativity and fearlessness down the left flank.
Leading the attack, Alana Pereira has consistently carried a goal threat and provided determination at the top end of the pitch and a clinical eye for goal.
The squad’s depth has also proved important throughout the run, with versatile winger Yasmayanne Leith contributing energy in a number of positions, Kyara Camara impressing with intelligent movement and direct play, and Ruby Morris-Campbell providing valuable defensive flexibility across the back line.
On the impact occasions like this can have on growing the game, Cadwallader added: “It’s a hugely exciting time for girls’ and women’s football, both locally and nationally. The growth in the game is fantastic to see, and at Jersey Bulls we’re proud to be playing our part in that journey.
“The women’s first team winning the league in their first season was an incredible achievement, and huge credit goes to Chad [Morris] and his staff for what they’ve built. Across the academy, there is some outstanding talent coming through in every age group.
“As coaches, our role is to help nurture that talent, provide the right guidance, experiences and opportunities, and support the girls in reaching their potential, whether that’s progressing within the club or going on to bigger opportunities in the game.
“A cup win would be another massive boost, not just for this group, but for the wider academy, showing what can be achieved through hard work, commitment and belief.”
Cadwallader concluded by saying: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Micron for supporting the girls for this final. Their generosity has made a real difference and is hugely appreciated. I’d also like to thank EWG, who have sponsored the academy for the past two years and have been fantastic in their continued support of the girls’ programme.”
Victory tomorrow would provide a fitting reward for a squad that has excelled throughout the season and would represent another landmark moment for the development of girls’ football within the club.
Jersey Bulls Under 16 Girls: Maggie Mann, Liberty Wilding, Lauren Le Garignon (c), Amy Guthrie, Lacey Thompson, Grace Clarke, Keira Wild, Thea Thompson, Evie Smilek, Poppy Mapplebeck, Alana Pereira, Yasmayanne Leith, Kyara Camara, Ruby Morris-Campbell
