The Guernsey FA Under 15 coaches have confirmed the squad, which will travel to Jersey in April looking to regain the Star Trophy.

Ahead of that annual match, which will be played at St Peters on 21st April, the squad has two trips planned to the UK as part of the preparations for the squad. Under 15 Head coach, Darren Sylvester, reflected on the season so far, squad selection, and looked ahead to the trips when commenting:
“As with all football in Guernsey this season, our training and local match programme has been disrupted by the continual wet weather, but in March we embark on the first of three competitive games in the UK that will serve as great preparation for this year's U15 Star Trophy. The squad first heads to the UK on 9th March with the Under 15 squad travelling to play Corinthian Casuals Under 15’s ahead of then watching Guernsey FC play Corinthian Casuals in the Isthmian League. This will not only provide a competitive game for the squad, but also the aspiration of seeing the Guernsey FC squad play in England. Following that, the squad then heads to England for a double-header against Bristol City and Woking on 5th and 6th April.

Each game will offer the squad a different and unique challenge. We don’t know what the matches against Corinthian-Casuals and Woking will throw up, but we know Bristol City will be technically excellent. As coaches, we wanted to ensure the squad was challenged, and for them to go away and play against players they’ve never seen before will be invaluable preparation as they will have to adapt quickly and identify the strengths and weaknesses of their opposition. 

At the start of the season we applied pressure to ourselves in the form of a commitment to take the matchday squad to England to expose them to challenges we can't replicate locally. Through collective hard work we have achieved this goal. The other part of this commitment was to try and raise all of the funds, thus removing the financial burden from parents. We are making good progress in this respect, but we are still looking for one more shirt sleeve sponsor, we have an online raffle with numerous prizes, including tickets to England games in March (v Brazil & v Belgium (flights & train)), and there is the 80s disco at KGV 02 March.

At this stage we would like to say a big thank you to; sponsors, people and businesses who have donated money or prizes, individuals who have attended the fundraising events, our parental fundraising group, suppliers & chefs. You have all had a part to play in this collective, community driven effort to help develop these players and provide them with amazing experiences. Without this support, and particularly that of NSM and BTS, the two main sponsors, the squad would not be able to enjoy these experiences.”

Paul O’Neill, Director at NSM said:
“As supporters of Guernsey football we are proud to sponsor the GFA U15s Representative Squad.  It is fantastic that this year the team has been given the opportunity to warm up with some high-calibre games in the UK in the lead up to the Star Trophy match in April.  NSM are delighted to be able to support the squad and wish them all the success for the season”.

Mark Baudains, MD at BTS, added: 
“BTS Access & Storage are delighted to be able to support the Guernsey under 15 football team. Sporting opportunities can be limited locally and we are proud to be able to play a small part in helping these aspirational young footballers further their development.”


Guernsey U15 squad
Alfie Torode, Aston Young, Byron Wakefield, Dylan Graham, Elden Roberts, Freddie Ford, Jack Sylvester, Jake Martin, Louis Allen, Matt Jackson, Regan Penney, Reuben Woollaston, Riley Tyrrell, Sam Bookless, Seb Mourant, Theo Cooper, Theo Le Tissier, Wilf Dorrian


Fundraising efforts continue with an 80s disco on Saturday 2nd March at KGV. Ticket information is available on the KGV Facebook and Instagram feeds.

Additionally, a raffle with numerous prizes is ongoing, and tickets are available to purchase here.  The top prize is two tickets to England’s match with Belgium on 26th March with travel included, whilst other prizes include two tickets to England against Brazil along with many other prizes donated by local businesses. The deadline to buy tickets is Saturday 2nd March.
              
* Photo courtesy of the Guernsey Press