For the first time the Cumbria Women’s League Under 16 division has been decided in February! Penrith AFC Diamonds were crowned 2016/17 Champions on Sunday following their victory over league newcomers Whitehaven AFC.

The Penrith based team have won all but one of their 14 matches this season, dropping points only against last season’s Champions Stanwix FC in a 1-1 draw back in November.

Last season’s League Cup winners still have the Cumberland FA County Cup and CWL League Cup to play for, as they seek to emulate Harraby Catholic Club JFC who won the triple in season 2014/15 the year after Penrith AFC in 2013/14!

Manager Adrian Savage said “I could not be prouder of the team than I am right now. I have a great bunch of girls who enjoy their football and have worked hard to develop and progress over recent seasons. The key has always been about fun and I have always encouraged the girls to play with a smile on their faces”.

In arguably one of the most competitive seasons for a few years, Diamonds have overcome some top quality teams to take the title with 2 games remaining. The end of season cup competitions should be exciting with a number of teams looking to deny Diamonds a clean sweep!
The Cumbria based league has grown over the years, with season 2016/17 seeing the largest number of teams competing across the county. Nine teams have supported girls in each area of Cumbria with opportunities to play every week. This season has been almost unprecedented with only one fixture postponed due to weather or pitch conditions, in stark contrast to the struggles of last season following the December 2015 storms. The use of 3G pitches has also meant waterlogged and frozen pitches have been less of a factor.

With local Under 14 leagues (Carlisle, West Cumbria and Barrow) feeding into the Cumbria based Under 16 league, it is the first opportunity for girls from different areas to face new and varied opposition on a weekly basis.

The Under 16 age group is traditionally a tough year with many other factors affecting participation. However the local football club network has been phenomenal in giving girls the chance to play regular competitive football across the county. Without the support of the managers, coaches and behind the scenes volunteers these opportunities would not be in place for more than 120 girls across Cumbria!

Any one interested in playing or supporting girls or women’s football can get in touch with Cumbria Women’s League or the local County FA for further details.

The Women’s League in partnership with Cumberland FA kicks off in April with teams from across Cumbria offering women the chance to play midweek regular football in a social environment.

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