Women’s and girls’ football in Guernsey is enjoying its most successful period yet thanks to visible success at the top of the game, growing participation and sustained local investment from partners such as Sure.
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 is helping create a generation of players inspired by success on and off the island. 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.
Scarlett Kenneally is Women & Girls Football Development Officer at Guernsey FA and played in the Muratti side. She 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.”
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.”
Scarlett 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.”
