Jersey’s women’s football team commence their group stage campaign of this year’s Guernsey NatWest International Island Games against Bermuda at The Track on Sunday 9 July (2.30pm kick-off), and midfielder Eve Watson is eager to savour every last minute of this year’s games.

Having played in a number of previous Island Games, the competition is one filled with memories for Watson, who admitted that the memories of 2015’s tournament remain fresh to this day.

“From start to finish, the Island Games here in Jersey in 2015 is by far my standout memory,” Watson said. “I could write a book on the memories, but the standout moment is always going to be winning gold that year. Scoring the only goal in the final to help the team win, after a tough tournament against very strong oppositions, takes some beating. The togetherness of the squad was powerful and every player deserved to be on that podium with a gold medal around their neck come the end.”

However special those memories are, Eve is determined to create more this year.

“With another fantastic group of players, I’m ready to create more standout memories and hope we’re standing back on that podium come the end of the games this year.”

The Jersey women’s squad this year blends young and experience, something that Watson feels makes the side solid going into the games.

“I would say it’s a versatile squad which offers a lot of depth,” added Watson. “All 18 players that have been selected to represent Jersey have had fantastic seasons with their local teams, but the focus for us all is the here and now. We know that when we travel to Guernsey, the competitiveness of games will be more than a Sunday league game of football. We’ll be playing against tough opponents and every minute in each game is a fight. We know what we have to do to make sure we hit the ground running when the tournament starts.”

Watson is confident that Jersey is capable of winning gold in Guernsey this year, but adamant that it will take belief and a number of other elements on a consistent basis in order to achieve that goal.

“Every player putting on a Jersey shirt will be focused on the target and hungry to win the competition. We know we will face tough challenges along the way from strong teams, but I have belief in this squad.

“If every player approaches this tournament with the same competitiveness, aggression, focus and will to win, then we will play the football we’re capable of in order to be successful.”

The Jersey women’s game against Bermuda will be streamed LIVE on YouTube from 2.15pm on Sunday 9 July.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE LIVE STREAM