As the final whistle blew, the U16 Girls sealed their place as qualifying winners of their county group – a performance built on resilience, teamwork, and belief.
Under the expert guidance of Mr. Carter, the team entered the tournament fully prepared and quietly determined to come out on top. Every training session and match had built toward this moment, their chance to qualify for the regional championships.
From the very start of the tournament, expectations were clear: set the tone, work hard, and show a will to win. Their double diamond formation flowed with precision, transforming defence into attack with seamless transitions and intelligent link-up play through the midfield.
Match 1
A slow start saw the girls trailing 1–0 at halftime, but they rallied together with grit and determination. A shift in mindset and attitude sparked a comeback, led by Maddie and Bea, who ignited the attack with confident passing and dribbling.
Early in the second half, a brilliant instinctive deflection from Bea at the top of the D pulled the team level. With momentum now on their side, Burgess Hill took control – passes grew sharper, defending became more resolute, and belief filled the pitch.
The breakthrough came when Bea launched a counterattack; her shot was saved, but Ava, perfectly positioned, fired the rebound into the bottom corner to give Burgess Hill the lead. The final whistle confirmed the comeback – a second half defined by grit, teamwork, and determination.
Match 2
Confidence was high heading into the second game after a well-earned rest. The girls started with pace and purpose, with Millie powering down the wings and driving the team forward against a tough, free-flowing opponent.
The defence stood firm, absorbing pressure before launching lightning-fast counterattacks. Cass finished clinically to give Burgess Hill the lead, and from there, the team showed incredible resilience. Relentless defending and calm under pressure mentality saw them through to another victory.
Two wins from two.
Match 3
The final game and arguably the toughest saw Burgess Hill enter full of confidence but physically tired after a tough match. With minimal rest, the girls began with a compact defensive shape, trusting the tactics to absorb pressure and strike on the counter.
They executed the plan perfectly: tackle after tackle, shifting shape and shadowing the opposition’s movements. The defence held firm, leaving the opposition frustrated and unable to find a breakthrough.
Half-time: 0–0.
Despite their fatigue, the message was clear — work hard and work together. Eight minutes into the second half, a golden chance arrived. Freya stepped forward and drilled the ball into the opposition D; the keeper saved, but Cass was there once again to slot the rebound home. Burgess Hill took the lead with six minutes to play.
The girls stayed calm, reset defensively, and executed their structure to perfection – sticks down, tackles strong, composure intact. As time trickled down and the final whistle blew, an unforgiving and determined Burgess Hill side were crowned tournament champions.
Star Performers and Standout Moments
- Player of the Tournament: Maddie H— for tireless work rate, creative playmaking, and unbreakable composure.
- Defensive Rock: Freya F— for reading the game superbly and making crucial interceptions.
- Golden Stick: Cass R— top scorer with 2 goals.
- Unsung Heroes: Amber F and Millie T— for quiet consistency, relentless effort, and unshakable team spirit.
A Victory Beyond the Medal
This win was more than just a first-place finish, it reflected the team’s discipline, belief, and growth. Every player contributed to this success, and their hard work, sportsmanship, and determination shone through in a truly outstanding achievement.
