Jersey’s women’s squad named for Island Games
Jersey FA women’s manager Chad Morris has announced a squad of 19 players for this summer’s Island Games in Orkney.
Captained by Holly Muirhead, the squad also includes teenagers Sophie Thornton and Alena Clyde-Smith, who are both yet to make their debuts for the senior side.
Jersey are in a group of four teams at the Games, alongside 2023 gold medallists Bermuda, Shetland and Isle of Wight.
Muirhead said: “The girls who’ve been selected are understandably excited; we love pulling on the Jersey shirt and representing the island in these big competitions. It’s a strong squad with lots of the players having already been to previous Island Games and having that experience under their belts.
“We’ve put in some really good displays during the Southern Counties Cup fixtures this season and taken lots of learning and positives from those games to bring with us into a big end to the season with the Muratti in Guernsey followed by the Games in Orkney.”
The squad has been named earlier than normal, well in advance of the event in mid-July, to give players time to save and fundraise towards travel and accommodation.
Tim Pryor, Jersey FA CEO, said: “We’re extremely grateful to Lee and his team at Ingram Advocates for their continued sponsorship of the Jersey FA women, and for the subsidy received through the Island Games Association of Jersey. It makes a massive difference to the amount that the Jersey FA contributes, and the amount players have to find themselves.
“Selection for an Island Games squad is the pinnacle for many players in Jersey, so congratulations to all those who’ve been chosen by the coaching team of Chad and Harry [Walker]. I know how honoured they all are to represent their island, and I’m sure they’ll go to Orkney and do Jersey proud this summer.”
The young squad has an average age in the early 20s, but still has plenty of players with extensive experience of representative football. The squad in full is: Aine Ruth, Alena Clyde-Smith, Ana Malta (GK), Anita Tavares, Danny Da Silva, Ella Brennand, Ella Docherty, Emily Le Page, Hannah Lynam, Holly Muirhead, Leah Morris, Macey Wyse, Poppy Benest, Roisin Flynn, Sam Silva, Sara Luce (GK), Sofia Rodrigues, Sophie Thornton, and Tiff Sundby.
Jersey’s men’s team are currently preparing for the Muratti semi-final in Alderney later this month (22 March), and manager Jack Cannon will name his Island Games squad soon after that fixture.
The men are still without a shirt sponsor. Any businesses interested in supporting the squad with the costs of the Island Games should please contact Tim.Pryor@JerseyFA.com