The Cornwall FA Girls County Cup finals were kindly hosted by Wendron United FC on Sunday 28th April. The event saw an U9s girl’s festival take place alongside the U11’s, U13’s and U15’s cup finals hosted on the main pitch.

The U9’s festival delivered in partnership with the Cornwall Girls Football League was led by the Cornwall FA Youth Council. Beth Willshaw (youth council chair) and her team of young leaders and officials delivered a friendly 5-a-side festival for 9 teams who had travelled from all over Cornwall to take part. The festivals are designed to give girls their first opportunities to play football in a safe, fun and positive environment. The matches were officiated by young leaders who did a great job in supporting, encouraging and guiding the girls.  

The first final on the main pitch featured Padstow Girls v Helston Halos. It was the first time the county has run an U11’s competition and therefore the first county cup final for both teams. It was a close and competitive game with both teams working hard to create chances. The Padstow goalkeeper made a number of saves and the game was 0-0 at half time. The second half started in the same way but it was Helston who made the break through and ultimately won 2-0 but not without a great battle from Padstow. Congratulations to Helston, U11’s County Cup Winners 2019. 

Next up was the U13s county cup final played between Launceston Girls and St Agnes Dynamos. This was the first time the two sides had met this season in any competition so both sides went into the game unsure on the opposition. The game was played in great spirit with some fantastic individual skill on show. Although St Agnes got the 4-0 victory, Launceston girls never gave up and fought to the end. With both teams having all females coaches it was also great to see such positive role models on the side-lines coaching, encouraging and supporting their teams. Congratulations to St Agnes, U13’s County Cup Champions 2019.

Our final game of the day was the U15’s Final played between Wadebridge Girls and Bodmin Girls. The game started in a competitive manner with both teams competing physically and putting tackles in. Bodmin applied early pressure but Wadebridge worked hard to defend with their goalkeeper making some outstanding saves. It was Bodmin who took the lead with a ‘team goal’ coming from a six pass move which was then closely followed by a second goal just before half time. Both teams came out with a desire to play well after half time but Bodmin kept their momentum and finished the game 5-0 winners. Full credit to Wadebridge though who never gave up and battled until the final whistle. Congratulations to Bodmin Girls, U15’s County Cup Winners 2019.

Thank you to the team of match officials, Matthew Dark, Darren Uren, Chloe Uren, Mark Hosking, Josh Eyre and Thomas Roper who throughout the day refereed the 3 Finals.

Throughout the day it was fantastic to see the stand full of spectators and the noise and support for the girls was tremendous for each and every cup final a real positive indication of the progress made within the girls game. The girls played every game in great spirit and it was wonderful to see the support given to them by their coaches and managers. Thanks again to Wendron United for hosting the event and for their support of girls football in Cornwall.