Women’s and girls’ football in Guernsey is enjoying its most successful period yet, according to the island’s football association.
The Guernsey Football Association said the rise in women playing and watching football was driven by visible success at the top of the game, growing participation and sustained local investment from partners such as Sure.
A GFA spokesperson highlighted the success of Guernsey FC Women in their debut national league season as well as the visible success of England player and Manchester United Women’s Captain Maya Le Tissier, who is from Guernsey.
Scarlett Kenneally, GFA’s Women & Girls Football Development Officer, said: “Seeing players succeed at the highest level gives young girls something to aspire to and helps them believe their own ambitions are possible.
“It’s a real driver for getting involved and giving football a go.”
Since Sure partnered with the GFA Community Programme in 2024, the initiative – which provides football-based PE lessons, lunch clubs and after-school sessions – has delivered coaching and development sessions to more than 724 girls.
That investment was helping create a generation of players inspired by success on and off the island, the spokesperson said.
Guernsey contested the Women’s Muratti trophy in May; Maya Le Tissier has enjoyed a stellar season for Manchester United; and the Guernsey FC Women’s team recorded a strong showing in their debut season in the national league pyramid.
Demand for girls’ football continues to rise, particularly at school level, with four Wildcats programmes now established, some already at capacity.
Earlier this year, more than 250 girls aged 9–15 took part in school festivals at Victoria Park.
Alistair Beak, Sure Group CEO, said: “We’re proud to support the continued growth of girls’ football in Guernsey.”
“Success at island, national and international level is hugely inspiring, but it’s the consistent local opportunities that turn inspiration into long-term participation.
“Our focus is to support the GFA in making sure every girl has the opportunity to get involved, develop confidence through sport and feel part of the game.”
Over the past decade, Guernsey FA has transformed the opportunities available to girls locally through the creation of a clear and accessible pathway from early introduction through to senior football.
Programmes such as Wildcats, Just Play and SQUAD now provide consistent entry points, with progression into the Mourant Girls Academy and Guernsey FC Women’s squad for those looking to develop further.
Regular sessions, familiar environments and clear progression routes are now central to how the game is delivered, helping girls build confidence, develop skills and feel part of a team. This consistency is key to retention, with more players staying involved for longer.
Scarlett, who was part of the Muratti team, added: “Frequent sessions really make the difference.
“That’s where confidence grows, friendships form, and girls start to feel part of something, which is what keeps them coming back and benefiting from a clear pathway through to senior football.”
Looking ahead, the focus is on maintaining momentum beyond the WSL and local season, with a continued programme of sessions, festivals and fixtures, including the Cherry Godfrey Cup this month.
The long-term ambition remains clear: to ensure every girl in Guernsey can access football, build confidence through sport, and stay involved for as long as they choose.
