THE Cherry Godfrey Cup is set to return this weekend as four island nations once again come together to celebrate women’s football.
Following the success of the inaugural tournament in Jersey in 2024, this year’s competition heads across the Channel to Guernsey, with Victoria Park hosting the biennial event on 26 and 27 June.
Teams from Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight will compete across two days for the trophy, with the tournament continuing its mission of promoting women’s football while strengthening ties between island communities.
The opening fixture has, however, been subject to a late change after travel disruption affected Jersey’s plans. The islanders’ semi-final against the Isle of Wight has been pushed back from its scheduled 5pm kick-off to 8.45pm following delayed flights.
Hosts Guernsey will instead begin proceedings at 6pm this evening when they face defending champions the Isle of Man.
Created by Cherry Godfrey, the competition was established to celebrate women’s sport while inspiring the next generation of players.
Organisers say the event represents far more than football, highlighting both the remarkable growth of the women’s game and the challenges it has overcome.
Women’s football attracted huge crowds more than a century ago before the Football Association imposed a ban in 1921 that remained in place until the 1970s, significantly delaying the sport’s development.
The values behind the tournament also hold personal significance for Cherry Godfrey founder and chief executive David Cherry, whose father became the first referee in Guernsey to officiate a women’s football match at a time when many others were reluctant to do so.
That willingness to challenge convention and create opportunities continues to underpin the competition, which organisers hope will continue to inspire players across the islands while providing a showcase for the ever-growing standard of women’s football.
Jersey squad: Sara Luce, Tayah Vasse, Lauren Queree, Tiffany Sundby, Poppy Benest, Danielle Bradshaw, Natasha Keen, Sofia Rodrigues, Rachael McCartan, Aine Ruth, Holly Sundby, Leah Morris, Emily Le Page, Hannah Lynam, Roisin Flynn, Anita Tavares
