JERSEY Bulls Women are increasingly becoming a springboard for players looking to test themselves in the English football pyramid.
Following an exceptional period of growth in the women’s game on the Island, Jersey now has representatives competing at a range of levels across the mainland, with several of the Bulls’ leading performers from last season taking the next step in their careers.
The Bulls secured promotion to tier seven last season, with three of their standout players subsequently moving to higher levels.
Anita Tavares, who finished last season as the club’s top scorer and Player of the Season, has joined Chorley Women in Tier Four.
The move represents a significant jump for the Jersey forward, who has already made an impact after being handed a starting place and completing 90 minutes in their first two league matches.
“It’s been an amazing experience so far,” said Tavares.
“Obviously, there’s a huge difference in the level and the tiers. Going from tier seven to tier four was a massive jump, but it’s been an amazing experience.”
Tavares is no stranger to playing at a high level, having spent her undergraduate years in Chicago on a football scholarship.
“I competed at quite a high level over there and played against amazing players,” she said.
“It was a crazy experience, but competing at that high level has set me up really well for this.”
Tavares believes her season with the Bulls also played an important role in preparing her for the move.
Despite playing at a lower level than she had experienced in the US, she feels the attacking nature of the Bulls’ campaign helped her confidence.
“We were so attacking last season because we could, and I could tell how confident the girls were becoming,” she said.
“It makes you realise what you can achieve, obviously with all the goals and assists. It set me up in a good way to go to Chorley because I’ve come in with confidence.”
Chorley compete alongside some of the biggest names in the women’s pyramid, including Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers, with Tavares already relishing the prospect of testing herself against established clubs.
“Obviously, it’s nerve-wracking, but I also know that I’m there for a reason,” she said.
“If I wasn’t good enough, I wouldn’t be there. I just need to believe in myself and have the confidence.”
Tavares is not the only Bulls player to have taken the next step. Leah Morris has rejoined Newhaven Ladies, who compete in tier five, after a successful season under her father Chad Morris at the Bulls.
Sofia Rodrigues has also moved up a level, joining Bournemouth Sports Reserves in tier six.
The pathway extends beyond the senior Bulls side, too.
Shana Dolbel, who produced a dazzling player of the match performance for Jersey in the Women’s Muratti earlier this summer, has broken into the Plymouth Argyle first team following a spell in their Under-18 academy.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old Rebekah Pierce continues her development within the Chelsea Academy.
For Bulls Women head coach Chad Morris, the growing number of players earning opportunities away from the island is evidence of the work being done across Jersey football.
“The fact that our players can leave Jersey, and are good enough to play in tiers three, four, five and six proves that everyone on the Island is doing a good job,” he said.
“But while we can all give ourselves a pat on the back, it’s down to the players.
“They’re only with us or their clubs a couple of times a week. It’s all the stuff they do away from training . All of this is down to them, and they all deserve the opportunities they’re getting.”
Morris believes the success of the current crop can also provide a blueprint for those coming through behind them.
“These players are an inspiration for the younger players coming through,” he said.
“There are opportunities when you want to go off island for further education or just for football, and you can be good enough to play at a higher level as long as you put in the effort.”
Tavares agrees, encouraging Jersey’s younger players to seek opportunities beyond the island.
“I think it’s so important for younger players to branch out and try different clubs and see the competition outside of Jersey, whether that’s in the UK or the US,” she said.
“The football culture is so different, and it’s important to see that there are amazing clubs and amazing players out there.
“You should challenge yourself and test yourself to your limits, see how far you can get, and there’s also great coaching.”
For Tavares, the next chapter is about making the most of her opportunity: “Just getting minutes at a high level, scoring goals and getting that experience of playing in a high tier,” she said.
