The competition which opens the JFA Combination women’s football season each year has been re-named in memory of a former player who sadly passed away in 2022.

Sylvia Spinola, who was part of Jersey’s 2015 Island Games gold-medal winning squad and captained St Lawrence FC, died at the age of just 34.

The Zenith Cup, which for many years has seen the local women’s sides play each other in a round-robin format before a top-two final, will now be known as the Sylvia Spinola Memorial Cup or Spinola Cup for short.  

The competition, which Sylv won with St Lawrence in 2020, kicks-off the women’s season again this Sunday with Jersey Wanderers hosting St Peter, and Rozel Rovers taking on the recently formed women’s team from Sports Club of Jersey. Both matches kick off at 10.30am.

Sylv’s brother, Tony Spinola, said: “Thank you for this incredibly meaningful gesture to commemorate Sylvia’s life. It will last forever in Jersey football, the beautiful game Sylvia loved so much.

“This will not only provide an everlasting connection between us and Sylvia, but it also serves as a tangible reminder of her life, her love of the game, and the impact Sylvia had on everyone.

“Through this experience, this everlasting tribute reflects Sylvia’s values and passions. It will be cherished and will serve as a lifelong connection to Sylvia, ensuring her spirit lives on through the beautiful game of football.”