Chichester and Selsey Under-13s make it to the final of the Sussex Girls Challenge Cup

The final of the Sussex Girls Challenge Cup (Under-13s) is due to take place this Sunday (6 February) between Chichester & Selsey and Pevensey & Westham.

This Sunday should present the Sussex County FA with an absolute cracker as Pevensey & Westham and Chichester & Selsey, both of the Sussex County Women & Girls Football League (SCWGFL) Premier Division, face-off. 

Pevensey & Westham vs. Chichester & Selsey 
Sussex Girls Challenge Cup Final (Under-13s)
Date: Sunday 6 February 2022
Kick-off: 2.30pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9A

Pevensey, who sit in second place in the SCWGFL, come into the final having beaten their opponents in a narrow 2-1 victory earlier this month. 

Manager, Steve Hadfield, believes it will make for a great final: “We played Chichester in the league last week and it was a very tight game. Both teams came out knowing they needed to prove something, and we eventually came out winners, but I think it'll be a tough game the final. 

“They know how we play; we know how they play so it'll be an interesting tactical battle on the day.” 

It makes for an extra special occasion for Steve who manages his side in a final for the first time.

“It's our first final in my time at Pevensey! The girls are really excited and it's a really good thing for the club. I think in terms of County Cups it's one of the first the club has had.

In regard to the league game between the finalists, Trevor Colman, Chichester & Selsey manager said: “We played Pevensey recently and had quite a close match with them. They won't admit it, but they had a lucky goal! 

“We had a long way to travel for the game against them, but the final will be good because both teams have roughly the same amount of travel. 

“The Premier Division that we're apart of can be difficult because the teams on the other side of the county, we don't know at all. 

“The fact we've played them recently and know what they're about I should think will help us and their manager, Steve Hadfield is a real nice guy, so to me it makes it all the more familiar. 

“They beat Eastbourne Borough in the Semi-Final, who beat Withdean, who in the league, had comfortably beat us! I think in that sense we anticipated a bigger gap between us and Pevensey, but we've progressed a lot over the course of the season.”

Trevor also passionately gave his thoughts on the rise of women and girls football in Sussex: “I think it's brilliant! My daughter is in the team, which is one of the reason's I am manager, but the opportunity to give girls of this age proper competitive football is incredible. 

“The only thing I'd say is that it would be great to see more female coaches involved as well! It's the next step we need to take I think.”

What’s more, for his side to be playing in our final itself, he believes is an important occasion to take in. 

“We play games to play the games and each game is treated differently. We don't build our girls up to fail. We don't look forward to winning a league or cup, we want the girls enjoying each match as it comes along. 

“When we got to the final, they're obviously very aware of it and the fact it's Sussex County FA's competition, makes it a big deal. 

“Our other coach, Sam Edwards, played football in Chichester and played in two County Cup Finals and tells us how prestigious it is.

“Everyone at the club though is extremely proud to be in the final. We don't want to just be getting there, we do of course want to win.” 

Lastly, he added what he’ll be saying to the girls ahead of the final: “I'll be telling them to go out and do they're best. Remember what we've talked about and just do they're absolute best and enjoy themselves.

Entry prices for the final are as follows (cash and card accepted):

£3.00 Adult (17+) 
£2.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card) 
FREE Child (16 and under) 
£1.50 Official Match Day Programme

Sussex County FA