October 12th 2025.u12 girls face Rotherham.

Wolverhampton Schools FA u12 Girls produced a gutsy display in their first match of the season against a strong Rotherham side in the English Schools FA Champions Cup.With no time for pre-season training and many players meeting for the first time, it wasn't surprising that Wolverhampton initially struggled against such well-drilled opponent who had already played several games together but the girls rose to the challenge and stayed in the game showing grit, teamwork, and flashes of real quality in the face of adversity.Goalkeeper Kairi Watts was outstanding on debut, pulling off several crucial saves to keep us level at the break and defenders Kysha Miranda, Sienna Woodley, Shayla-Rose Edwards-Joyce, and Haro Young worked tirelessly to frustrate Rotherham’s fluent attack.

In midfield, Megan Winwood, Rosie Smith, Alarna Samuels, Clara Case, and Izzy Delaney battled hard, linking play and driving the team forward but chances were few and far between although Rosie did go close for Wolverhampton with a strike from distance. Summer Illsley continued to work tirelessly, leading the line with determination against a packed Rotherham defence, and for long periods it appeared that our girls would get something from the game but midway through the second half Rotherham finally made the breakthrough. There was more than a hint of offside about the goal but the flag stayed down and Kaira was beaten despite advancing from goal to reduce the angle. Wolverhampton kept pressing for an equaliser until the final whistle, with Izzy and Rosie threatening late on, but ultimately time ran out and Rotherham's solitary strike proved sufficient to take all three points. Despite the narrow 1-0 defeat, there was plenty to admire, however, and with this kind of attitude and talent, the u12 girls look set for a promising season once they have had more time to gel.

Squad: Kairi Watts, Shayla-Rose Edwards-Joyce, Kysha Miranda, Summer Illsley, Clara Case, Sienna Woodley, Rosie Smith, Haro Young, Megan Winwood, Alarna Samuels, Izzy Delaney.