MINEHEAD AFC U16 Girls lifted the league trophy and received their medals for winning the Somerset Girls League title in a friendly at Minehead FC against Weston Mendip.

It was a fantastic occasion with well over 100 supporters seeing the girls play their final match as a team. Following the final whistle skipper Erin and her team lifted the trophy high into summer like sky.

The season overall was huge success after a summer of uncertainty when losing older players. When the season did arrive the girls were without a permanent GK so throughout the season they’ve been juggling each game depending on availability.

This though showed a strong sign of their togetherness and willingness to work as a team and produce fantastic results. The side went unbeaten across the season with notably a 13-game winning streak cementing their place as champions. Scoring 90 goals and only conceding 14, the girls dominated the division throughout.

This league success was the 3rd in 5 seasons with a total 29 girls representing this team in all its versions. This has been a fantastic youth journey for this team, shining a light on what is possible in Minehead for its future female footballers - a fitting conclusion for this trailblazing and inspiring football team. Congratulations to - Lilly, Lucy, Leah, Bonita, Evie, Izzy, Emily, Ruby, Jaz, Mabel, Erin, Charlotte, Alana and Carly.

Manager Dan Haran said: “I cannot emphasise enough what the girls have done. Not just this season but the past six years. They’ve totally changed the female footballing landscape and Minehead FC are firmly on the map in the female game. They’ve done this through their brilliance on the pitch and top sportsmanship and dedication of it. To the girls, their parents and all our supporters. Thank you!”