October 4th 2026. u14 girls in Cup action.

Wolverhampton Schools u14 Girls began their ESFA National Champions Cup campaign with a long journey to Wales High School in Kiveton. It was always going to be a demanding opening fixture, but the Wolverhampton girls showed tremendous character and competed from the first whistle, never allowing the occasion or the strength of the opposition to dampen their enthusiasm.

Rotherham are a strong, physical, well-organised side and our opponents grew in confidence once they had taken the lead with a well taken free kick which was perfectly finished at the back post. Our girls responded positively and began to create chances of their own with our best opportunity arriving once Erica had found Beau after brilliantly winning back possession. Lara was released down the left and her excellent cross picked out Lilianna, who was within a whisker of bringing the ball under control before the Rotherham goalkeeper gathered.

Emilia was continuing to find space on the right and beginning to cause all sorts of problems for the Rotherham left-back as we finished the half strongly and we started the second half in the ascendancy. Delilah and Ruby were battling hard to win the midfield battle, winning challenges and looking to play forward and with Sky providing an outlet up front the signs were extremely positive.

Any hope we had of securing at least a point, however, disappeared when Rotherham scored their second goal in extremely frustrating circumstances. A promising through ball slowed on the AstroTurf, allowing Rotherham to regain possession and quickly play a long ball over the top. Mozza worked hard to apply pressure on their winger but could do little to prevent a really composed finish sealing the match.

The Wolverhampton girls continued to compete right to the final whistle and the score- line certainly doesn’t tell the full story. Bella, Leilah, Iris, Mozza and Erica were outstanding. They repeatedly put their bodies on the line and displayed bravery and determination against a powerful Rotherham attack and there was plenty for the Wolverhampton coaching team to be encouraged by with great performances throughout the team.

All the girls showed that they can compete, create opportunities and maintain their discipline and spirit even when things aren’t going their way and the result should not overshadow the many positives from an encouraging opening Champions Cup performance. Three group games still to come and plenty of opportunity to build on the determination and quality shown in this match.

Squad: Arabella Wooley, Delilah Hard,  Emilia Purshouse,  Ruby Maclean,  Liliana Parr,     

Ava Mohammed,  Lara Allen Zoarder, Beau Morris Jones, Skye Hines, Holly Rose Morris,   

Erica May Clarke, Lois Howard, Iris Tonks-Curtis, Daisy Swanston, Leilah O'Gorman.