In August this year, a new chapter of women's football was written with the launch of the Cherry Godfrey Cup, the first four-island tournament dedicated solely to female athletes from Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Man. Hosted at Springfield Stadium in Jersey, the exciting new tournament not only showcased the talent and skill on the islands, but also demonstrated a commitment to fostering women's sports across them.
A Historic Beginning
The Cherry Godfrey Cup is a significant milestone in the landscape of women’s football, providing a competitive platform outside of the biennial Island Games. Over two days of thrilling matches, teams battled for the title, culminating in an intense final.
The inaugural tournament kicked off with semi-finals on Friday evening. Jersey faced Guernsey and emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, avenging their Muratti Vase defeat in May. Meanwhile, the Isle of Man showcased their prowess by beating the Isle of Wight 5-2. The anticipation built up for the final, which proved to be a nail-biting encounter.
The Thrilling Final
The final match was a tightly contested affair that ended in a goalless draw, leading to penalties. Sixteen-year-old Millie Dawson made her debut for the Isle of Man and became the hero of the day, converting the decisive penalty after Leah Morris and Emily Le Page had missed their attempts for Jersey. Earlier in the match, Dawson had almost put her team ahead, striking the post just before half-time, but her resilience paid off in the shootout.
For Jersey, the disappointment was palpable, but – speaking to the BBC - player Tiff Sundby noted the team’s progress and commitment to improving in future tournaments. “We can hold our heads high,” she said, reflecting on their journey, adding, “This is just the beginning.”
The Importance of Community Support
The Cherry Godfrey Cup received overwhelming support from the local community. Families, friends and football enthusiasts rallied behind their teams, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The turnout was a testament to the growing interest in female athletics and the importance of providing visibility to women’s football.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to all participating Football Associations and the local communities for their support in making this event a reality. Tanzy Cherry, Chief Operating Officer at Cherry Godfrey, has emphasised the company’s commitment to supporting women’s sport and stated, “We are all very excited for what we believe is set to become an iconic event for many years to come.”
Looking Ahead: A Biennial Tradition
The success of the inaugural Cherry Godfrey Cup has laid the groundwork for a biennial tournament, with plans to continue this event every two years. This commitment allows female footballers from the participating islands to compete regularly, fostering development and camaraderie among the teams.
Currently, the only major tournament for these players is the Island Games, scheduled to take place next in Orkney 2025. There is, of course, the Muratti Vase, but this is only played between Alderney, Guernsey and Jersey. The Cherry Godfrey Cup fills a gap by providing more frequent opportunities for competition, helping to elevate the level of play and interest in women's football across the islands.
A Bright Future
While the Isle of Man lifted the trophy, the tournament served as a showcase of skill and resilience from all participating teams. These experiences contribute to the growth of the sport, allowing teams to learn, adapt and improve for future competitions.
The inaugural Cherry Godfrey Cup has set a promising precedent for the future of women’s football in the islands. With plans now going ahead for the next tournament and a dedicated effort to support female athletes, the Cherry Godfrey Cup represents a commitment to growth, community and celebration of talent.
Looking forward to the next competition, we can expect even more thrilling matches, increased participation and a deeper commitment to empowering women in sports. The Cherry Godfrey Cup is not just a tournament; it’s a movement towards elevating women’s football and inspiring future generations of athletes on the islands and beyond. Here’s to many more years of competition, camaraderie and triumphs on the pitch.
