The final of the Sussex Girls Challenge Cup (under-12s) is due to take place on Sunday 3 February 2019 between Eastbourne Borough and Oakwood.

Eastbourne Borough vs. Oakwood 
Sussex Girls Challenge Cup Final (under-12s) 
Date: Sunday 3 February 2019
Kick-off: 10.30am
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

This year, we kick off our County Cup final season with the Sussex Girls Challenge Cup (under-12s) and both sides are hoping for an identical outcome, to achieve the double.

Eastbourne Borough are currently sitting second in the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League (Sky Blue) with one game in hand, having lost just one game out of eleven.

James Chatfield, Eastbourne Borough’s assistant manager is pleased with the sides continued effort and said on reaching the final: “It’s fantastic that we have got to the County Cup Final, last year we won the league and we made the league final but lost to East Grinstead, so to have another crack at the double is exciting.

“It looks possible for us to win the league again so to do the double would be really good for the players and the club.”

Eastbourne Borough girls section was established in 2013 and over the years has continued flourishing, currently with six all girls teams and over ninety players participating and developing at the club weekly.

Dan Fogg, Eastbourne Borough girls under-12s manager has guided his side to the most success having won various competitions, which includes being crowned 2017/18 league champions.

Fogg, who has been at the club for many years, has coached the girls for three seasons now and prior to that was involved in the boy’s side. Chatfield who currently coaches the boys has been assisting with the under-12s girls’ team for just over one year as his daughter is a member of the squad.

The Borough team consists of a mixture of under-11s and under-12s and Chatfield said: “We believe in the girls and their ability. They are all very excited for Sunday and I’m sure that family and friends will be coming to support the special day.”

Similar to their opposition, Oakwood have their eyes on topping their league despite trailing behind slightly. Although they have lost two games, they are still hopeful after having three games in hand within the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League (Purple).

Eddie Olding, the Oakwood girl’s manager is known to be a legend of the club after playing from the age of twelve and unfortunately had to call it a day on his playing career after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.

Olding has been involved with coaching at the club for many years and it wasn’t until his daughter took an interest in football that his love for the women’s game began: “I started going along to the matches and Darren Kirkham, the manager of the time asked me if I wanted to get involved and I bit his hand off!

“Half way through last season Darren decided to take a step back and asked me if I wanted to take the reins which was a really exciting time for me.

“Women’s and girl’s football is on the up and having two daughters who play football just makes me want to be part of the development of the game.”

Olding has enjoyed the challenge in developing the team thus far and is looking forward to showcasing their abilities come Sunday: “It has really only hit home the last week or so that we have reached the final of a County Cup.

“It’s a great opportunity for my team, for them to play in a stadium in front of a big crowd which is something they aren’t used to - there is going to be a lot of excitement.

“I am buzzing for them, but I am also carrying the nerves as well for them and I am going to show them on the day that it’s ok and to just enjoy the occasion.”

Eastbourne and Oakwood have never met due to being in different sections of the Sussex Women’s and Girls Football League, but Eddie is not concerned about his opposition, he is more focused on his side playing good football and most importantly enjoying themselves.

“I try to tell my players that I am not worried about how other teams play or who they are, I want my players to play well and perform well as a team because when we come together, that is when we are at our best.”

In the two Semi-Finals, Eastbourne Borough overcame Shoreham & Adur by seven goals to nil and Oakwood put four past Withdean, which insinuates that Sunday mornings could be a goals galore encounter!

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-12s) please contact Competitions: 

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