A bold decision to switch leagues is already bearing fruit for the Pembrokeshire-based Tenby U16 Girls, who are embarking on an exciting new chapter in their football journey. The team made a last-minute transition from the Pembrokeshire League to the West Wales Women”s and Girls League, and they have already marked their first victory in this more competitive environment.
Faced with a lack of teams in their former league, the coaches had to make a critical choice: risk disbandment or embrace a tougher competition to ensure the players could regularly compete. Coach Luke Rowland noted, “It wasn”t a decision we took lightly. But the girls needed a season with real fixtures, real competition, and real opportunities to grow. Moving leagues was the only way to give them that.”
Coach Angie Nicholls added, “Everything was new—the opposition, the intensity, the travel. But they embraced it. Their attitude has been first-class from day one.” The team has been competitive in nearly every match, with performance levels improving week after week. New players Ffion and Grace have quickly made their mark, each earning player of the match accolades.
Reflecting on the team”s progress, Coach Craig Templeton stated, “Every player has stepped up. The new girls have brought energy, the older players have led by example, and the standard has risen right across the team.”
Captain Sophie expressed the team”s initial fears about the move, saying, “It was scary at first, moving leagues and facing teams we didn”t know. But we stuck together, trained hard, and showed that we belong here.” She emphasized the significance of their first win, declaring, “Getting our first win means everything—it proves all the effort was worth it.”
The club remains eager to welcome more experienced players not currently involved in academies who wish to join a developing team. They also expressed gratitude to their sponsors for assisting with increased travel and operational expenses, as well as to parents for their unwavering support. Rowland remarked, “Without their support, none of this is possible. They backed the move, they backed the team, and they backed us as coaches. We”re hugely grateful.”
