A girls’ under-10s football team has claimed a piece of history in the Huddersfield Junior Football League.
The team from Bradley-based Woodlanders FC has become the first all-girls team to win the league’s Vase trophy.
Woodlanders – Ellen, Isabella, Ada, Bella, Violet, Ivy, Hallie, Maya, Amy, Tia and Khloe – lifted the silverware at cup finals day at Emley AFC’s Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.
Parent and coach David Gilroy said the victory capped a brilliant season for the team and said: “We are so proud of them.”
The back story is a lesson in resilience and determination and David added: “Last season we started an under-9s all-girls’ team in a boys’ league.
“Unfortunately, we lost every game but the girls always showed up and never complained once and always came off with a smile on their faces.
“This season, as under-10s, we signed a few new players and the girls have all bonded. We have only lost one game this season and are currently on a 28-game winning streak.
“We have gone on a cup run and we have played a lot of good teams who have been above us in leagues. We got to the final and beat a team five divisions above us 3-2.
“It’s a massive achievement for the girls and they have shown they can play against boys and be more than a match for them.
“It’s absolutely brilliant that they all stuck together through the hard times to go on and be promoted in the league and also win a cup.”
David said he hoped the success would help inspire other girls to take up football and added: “The girls are an amazing bunch and have had a fantastic season. They have shown football is for everyone.
“As a parent and coach I couldn’t be more proud. They deserve all the praise for what they’ve achieved.”
Woodlanders FC are based at Woodlands Glade sports centre in Bradley and play at Fartown Pavilion in Fartown. To get in touch search Woodlanders FC on Facebook.
