AN ENTHUSIASTIC 20-strong squad of Isle of Wight women are heading to the Island Games 2023 in Guernsey next month, to play and put their brand of football on the map.
"We're going to get a medal," the exuberant ladies' team told the Isle of Wight County Press.
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The inter-Island competition runs from July 8 until the 14.
The County Press will have all the latest updates from the event and we are introducing you to the Isle of Wight sports men and women who are representing us, in a series of stories..
At launch day, we snapped front, from left: Thea Broadhead, Phoebe Connor, Sienna Brennan, Mia Richardson, Rosina Knowles, Faith Wagstaff, Tilly Yardley and Emma Webb; back row: Sammie Mumford, Georgia Dye, Kate Edney, Ceri Kilcullan, Shannon Kilcullan, Sophie Jackson, Peggy Stagg, Katie Barron, Kirren Shaw, Chloe Parkes, Rich Mumford, Gemma Woodford and Carmen Simonds.
The squad's manager, Rich Mumford, is delighted with the squad he has assembled for Guernsey — a blend of youth and experience and not without talent either!
"There is a lot of ability in the squad, and it's our aim to get the most out of the potential we have in the time we have together," Mumford explains.
"We want to be the best version of ourselves. If by the end of the Games everyone in the squad has improved and developed, that will be considered a success.
"If we compete to the highest levels we can, and that is enough to win a medal, that will be the cherry on the icing on the cake."
Two 16-year-olds have really impressed the manager.
"Our two youngest players stand out — Tilly Yardley and Faith Wagstaff — who came into the reckoning at a very late stage," Mumford explains.
"Before then, both had slipped through the net and missed selection. But determined not to miss out, they took their chance when it came and have become solid members of the squad.
"You have to keep reminding yourself they are just 16."
At the other end of the age scale are three players in their forties.
Sammie Mumford is taking part in her eighth games, whille Ceri Kilcullen their eldest competitor, Emma Webb, make their debuts in the Games.
As a squad in the Games, they have come up with their own set of values going into it — preparedness, confidence, discipline, fitness and togetherness.
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