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There’s less than 24 hours to go until the first match in a new four-island women’s football tournament kicks off at Springfield Stadium… And, for Jersey’s team, it marks part of a special “new era”.
The Cherry Godfrey Cup will see Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Wight and Isle of Man face off against each other to see who will be crowned the top footballing island.
Due to be held every two years, the first instalment of the new tournament is set to take place tomorrow and Saturday.
The first match – between Isle of Man and Isle of Wight – will be tomorrow at 17:00, before Jersey takes on its Muratti rivals Guernsey at 20:00.
First up, Express took a look at the Jersey team...
Jersey FA Manager Chad Morris, said the tournament was “really exciting and a great opportunity to play against other islands in a competitive environment”.
“For our players and coaches, this is a ‘new era’ for us, with the average age coming down massively, the players in their mid-20s becoming the leaders and the early-20s players stepping up and helping the teenagers as they come through.
“It really is an exciting time for the rep team and with this cup as well as the SCC, Muratti and IG, it’s a really good and challenging games programme this coming season.”
Morris was full of praise for Cherry Godfrey for “seeing the opportunity of creating a tournament that can really be a legacy for them”, and also thanked the JFA and Ingram advocates for their backing.
Captain Holly Muirhead reflected: “We are really looking forward to this tournament – it will be an amazing opportunity as a team to get together and look ahead to island games this season. It allows us time beforehand to get extra training in during pre-season, which I think is a great way to start the season and get everyone’s heads in the right frame of mind.
“The Muratti was a tough game, but we have learnt and will continue to grow from it. This tournament will give us a glimpse into a few of the other teams, and show what our strengths are and what areas we can improve on as a team. We have an amazing young team, ready to work hard.
“We are very grateful for this opportunity and hope it will be an annual event. Hopefully Jersey can get behind us, fill Springfield stadium and show them the beautiful football we can play.”
Jersey FA Manager: Chad Morris
Captain: Holly Muirhead
Sara Luce
Summer Watkins
Ana Malta
Tiffany Sundby
Danni Da Silva
Poppy Benest
Sofia Rodrigues
Ella Docherty
Leah Morris
Hannah Lynham
Emily Le Page
Aine Ruth
Lauren Trachy
Roisin Flynn
Ella Brennand
Lara Couvert
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