The final of the Sussex Girls' Challenge Cup (Under-15s) is due to take place on Sunday 26 March 2023 between Withdean Youth and Worthing United Youth.

Withdean Youth vs. Worthing United Youth
Sussex Girls' Challenge Cup Final (Under-15s)
Date: Sunday 26 March 2023
Kick-off: 2:30pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, BN15 9AX

Ahead of the match, we spoke with both managers to get their thoughts ahead of the big day.

Withdean Youth manager Chris Kyffin-Walton, who took over the team four years ago, shared his excitement for the upcoming fixture.

“We're delighted to be in the final,” said Kyffin-Walton, “we got there last year and played Lewes, but unfortunately lost to them.

“A County Cup is a very prestigious cup, and the girls had an incredibly good experience last year and wanted to get there again.”

Withdean have had “a very difficult passageway to the final”, as Kyffin-Walton described it.

Indeed, whilst the early rounds saw the team advance through commanding performance, particularly a 10-0 win over Henfield, tougher tests awaited them.

They beat Mile Oak 5-2, who Kyffin-Walton stressed were a “very strong team”.

Crawley Wasps were next in the Semi-Final, and at their venue, Withdean were able to put a strong displace 1-2 winners, a source of great pride for the manager.

In the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League GSL Under-15s Premier Division, there’s currently nothing to separate the two sides, who are level on points at the top of the table, with Worthing having a game in hand.

Yet when the two sides met last weekend, it was Withdean who came away with the 2-1 win at home, thanks to goals from Bo Hughes and Isabelle Stray.

As for the message the Withdean manager has his players ahead of the final, he said:

“The girls should predominantly have fun. I hope they'll enjoy the day and hopefully they'll get the positive result that they deserve.”

Worthing United Youth manager Mark Whitlock is also looking forward to the Sussex Girls’ Challenge Cup Final. 

Whitlock has been coaching Worthing for over five years now, and whilst he’s racked up a wealth of experience, the same can’t be said of the team, with most of the girls never having played in a cup final before.

“They are so excited,” Whitlock said, “they’re looking forward to it so much!

“The girls have got a great work ethic and they’ve become really competitive this season.

“Even though we have not had an easy past month, they are still managing to get the results, which is a really good sign,” he added. 

For Worthing their journey to the final started with a tough challenge in the second-round away to Peacehaven, but the team were able to come away with a 0-1 win.

The quarter-final however, was a very different affair, with Worthing putting in a dominating performance to win 0-7.

However, a real test awaited them in the semis, as they had to battle in a 2-3 win over Eastbourne Borough.

After such a dramatic route to final, Whitlock’s message for the day of the final to keep the belief they’ve had in themselves all season:

“Keep positive and support the girls because they really deserve this opportunity,” he urged.

Entry prices are as follows (Cash and Card accepted):

£5.00 Adult (17+)
£3.00 Concession (66+ and students with valid student ID card)
£1.00 Child (16 and under)
£1.50 Official Match Day Programme

For further details about the Sussex Girls' Challenge Cup (Under-15s), please contact:

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