The final of the Sussex Girls Challenge Cup (under-14s) is due to take place on Sunday 4 March 2018 between Withdean Youth and Mile Oak Wanderers.

Withdean Youth vs. Mile Oak Wanderers
Sussex Girls Challenge Cup Final (under-14s)
Date: Sunday 4 March 2018
Kick-off: 2.00pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX 

Withdean Youth and Mile Oak Wanderers both play in the Sussex County Women’s and Girls’ Football League, and most recently met last Sunday where Mile Oak edged the win and took home the three points after a 4-3 victory.

Paris Akehurst’s Withdean side had gone unbeaten all season until last Sunday and they will be looking to make amends for last weekend’s defeat.

“Obviously losing last weekend was a shame but the girls don’t stop fighting and will really go for it.”

Paris is in her third season as the manager/ coach and also coaches for 5ways Soccer School, Albion in the Community and plays for Worthing United Ladies. 

Akehurst’s group of players have cup final experience after winning their league cup final 5-1 against Horsham Sparrows last season, but Paris believes winning this cup will mean so much more.

“It’s amazing we have got here really, it is one of the biggest cups we’ve ever entered and to get into the final for the first time is a great achievement.”

Paris and her assistant Bernie, who is her father, have kept the core of the team since forming, but claim to have strengthened  over the couple of years by adding a few additions. 

Withdean’s Jenna Thomas has been suffering from an ankle injury, but Akehurst is hoping that she will be fit by Sunday to take part in the final, as the manager admitted she is one of their stronger defenders. 

Mile Oak’s Welfare Officer Emma Thomas-Hancock, who is also the mother to twins in the team, Martha and Ruby speaks highly of the club. 

Emma admits that The Oak’s under-14s have struggled with the quest to find permanent coaches over the past three seasons, and is very grateful that coaches Jake Godfrey and Matt Trinidad have come to the rescue.

“Getting to this final means so much because the team have really struggled over the years to find a permanent coach.

“There were a few times when we seriously thought that the team may have to fold due to the lack of coaching and so we are massively grateful to Jake and Matt,” she continued. 

Emma is certain that Sunday will be a real celebration of how far the team has come regardless of the score-line once the final whistle has been blown. She highlights that last weekend’s victory over Withdean did not come easy as they are a strong opposition. 

“Everyone involved really deserve this, especially the girls, their determination and respect for each other is amazing.

“This is a real reflection on the girls; they are so committed to their football and this team. They could have jumped ship and moved to another team but they just love playing together.” 

This is likely to be a close clash as Akehurst’s strong side sit top of the league, whilst Godfrey’s girls have potential to cause another upset to Withdean after ending their unbeaten season streak just last week.

Entry prices for the final are as follows:
£3.00 Adult (17+)
£2.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
FREE Child (16 and under)

For further details about the Sussex Girls Challenge Cup (under-14s), please contact Competitions:

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