The final of the Sussex Girls Challenge Cup (under-16s) is due to take place on Sunday 1 March 2020 between Saywell Hawks and Worthing Town. 

Saywell Hawks vs. Worthing Town
Sussex Girls Challenge Cup Final (under-16s)
Date: Sunday 1 March 2020
Kick-off: 2.30pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

Worthing Town and Saywell Hawks are two teams that know each other very well both competing at the top end of the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League. 

Despite Saywell Hawk’s very short history, you can, in fact, go back to five seasons as to when they first met each other when Hawks were then known as Rustington Raiders and Worthing Town manager, Jamie Osborne is excited about the opportunity to face them in the final: “I’m really excited for the final. We know Saywell very well they’re in our league. 

“They were actually our first ever game as a team back when they were Rustington rather than Saywell and we’ve always had good games with them.”

Despite the history there as Rustington Raiders, Saywell Hawks, themselves, actually formed in May 2019, less than a year ago with the support of sponsorship, Saywell International. 

Kevin Maysey, the manager, took many of the girls with him to Saywell, from Rustington, and can’t wait for the occasion: “Personally, as a manager, even I’m really looking forward to it! Playing in a proper stadium with a crowd watching and something for us to really be proud of.

“The girls are looking forward it, very, very excited to be playing at Sussex County FA on such a big occasion. We used to go as a team and watch Brighton Ladies there and we know there’s going to be quite a few people so they’re a little bit on edge but I’m trying to keep them calm!”

Worthing have won league titles at under-13s and under-14s and even won the treble at under-15s and six girls from the first season still remain. 

For Jamie Osborne this is what he has been working to build and now at under-16 level, it could be the icing on the cake for him: “It’s a great achievement for the girls that’s for sure. A real chance to become the best team in Sussex really.

“This is my fifth season now and it’s been brilliant to see them develop. All we’ve ever asked from the girls is to work hard and be a team that are hard to beat, and they’ve certainly done that.

Kevin Maysey knows he’s up against a very strong Worthing Town side whose run-in to the final has consisted of 11-1 and 15-0 victories, but the Hawks gaffer is proud of where his team have come: “There’s some of them that have been playing five or six years together at another club but in terms of Saywell Hawks, we’re brand new, so immensely proud of my girls. 

“In the semi-final against Withdean who are a good, established team, we were 3-1 up then they got two goals to send it to extra-time and despite their momentum, we managed to get the result and win 4-3.”

Entry prices for the final are as follows:
£4.00 Adult (17+)
£3.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
FREE Child (16 and under)
£1.50 Official Match Day Programme

For further details about the Sussex Girls Challenge Cup (under-16s) please contact Competitions:

Competitions
T: 01903 753547
E: Competitions@SussexFA.com