May 2026. Farewell to our u15 Girl trailblazers

Since 2021 this squad of players have been role models to the younger age groups and trailblazers for girls’ football in Wolverhampton and they leave us after creating a lasting legacy and memories that will be part of our history forever. The National Final against East Riding in 2023, and the fact that they became the first girls’ group from Wolverhampton Schools FA to take part in a tour abroad tour when they took part in the 2024 France Mediterranean Cup, did so much to promote girls’ football in Wolverhampton within the City and we are extremely proud of them. Everyone at Wolverhampton Schools FA would like to thank Kyle Hunt and his assistant Peter Corr for the hours that they have spent working with the team, and every player, who has made their contribution during the last five years.  

Kyle took the team for the first time along with Nick Loftus when the girls were still in Primary Schools and he has witnessed the team’s development from humble beginnings. He has seen them grow up, take on new challenges, face the demands of higher levels of football, and many of them have gone on to represent The West Midlands County. Along with wishing the girls every success in their future life Kyle will always be keen to see what levels they go on to achieve in football. Peter Corr is also highly regarded of course and apart from working so well alongside Kyle, he has shown himself to be a brilliant trainer, and done so much to develop players over time. I’m sure the girls really appreciate his efforts although they might not necessarily miss his running and gruesome fitness drills on summer evenings!

So many memories but the under 12 National Plate Final and The French Tour take some beating. The first of these, though tinged with sadness because we were eventually beaten in a penalty shootout, was indeed a memorable occasion. Played in the wonderful Worcester Warriors Stadium in June 2023 we not only  recovered from being a goal down in only thirteen seconds against an excellent side from East Riding to equalise, but indeed went on to dominate much of the second half before eventually losing in the cruellest way  possible.

The following season proved to be our most active and successful as well as being history making. A run to the semi- final saw the girls narrowly missing out on making the Plate Final in back-to-back years with  defeat against Brighton before going on to compete in The Mediterranean Cup which was staged in France in 2024. It all started so well, as we won five group games without conceding a single goal, before being brought back down to earth after losing on penalties in the semi- final. A storming 6-1 victory saw the girls secure the 3rd place play off trophy, however, and I’m sure that the girls will cherish these memories and moments from France forever and look back on them with fondness in years to come with their team-mates, coaches and family.

No team, however talented, can ever fully function without parental support and in that regard we are truly blessed. A sincere thank you to every single parent and guardian over the years for their willingness to  support even when it meant travelling all over the country even on night times and during horrible weather. The support you have given to the girls will always be appreciated. Huge thanks to Nick Loftus and Gavin Hawkins for their help on the French Tour and constant support behind the scenes and to ConnectEd for  continuing to provide a big support network for Girls and Boys football within Wolverhampton Schools. Ian Crichton’s match reports are still to be found on the web site and can easily be downloaded as a keepsake.