Girls U-14s Triumph in All-Boys Grassroots League
In a remarkable victory, a girls under-14s football team has conquered an otherwise all-boys grassroots league. The Concord Rangers Yellows have had an outstanding season, remaining unbeaten with 31 points from 11 games. Led by their coach and dad, Sofien Davis, the team is hoping for one final win to secure their invincible status in their upcoming game on Saturday.
The team’s success this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Despite finishing mid-table in their previous campaign, they have dominated their male rivals with impressive performances. Throughout the season, they have recorded two 13-0 victories and a 14-2 win in their ten league matches.
According to coach Sofien Davis, he noticed the potential in the team from the day he took over. He was particularly impressed with how coachable the girls were and how quickly they picked things up. Despite some trepidation about entering a boys league, Davis believed it was the best decision for their development. He wanted to demonstrate that girls can compete with boys and challenge the stereotypes surrounding women’s football.
One standout player on the team is striker Lola Christmas, who is just 12 years old. Lola has been the top scorer for the team with an impressive 35 goals this season. Her stepdad, Tony Bailey, reflects on how her journey began with a simple kickaround in the park, which has now led to her excelling in the sport. The team is now aiming to represent Southend at the Aces National Tournament after reaching the semifinals last year.
The girls will be transitioning from the Southend Junior League to the Essex Girls League next season. This move signifies their growth and recognition within the world of women’s football. Tony Bailey and Lola’s mom, Jade Yates, couldn’t be prouder of all the players’ accomplishments. Bailey shares how, during his own playing days, losing to a team of girls would have been met with anger. However, times have changed, and the boys have shown no hard feelings towards the girls’ success. They have come to accept and appreciate that it is normal for girls to compete and excel in football.
The triumph of the Concord Rangers Yellows serves as a powerful testament to the skill, determination, and resilience of these young girls. Their success challenges gender stereotypes and highlights the immense talent within women’s football. As the team prepares for their final game, they are on the cusp of securing an unbeaten season. The world is watching as they prove that girls can conquer any challenge set before them.