Chesterfield Girls Centre of Excellence played their first games of the season against high flyers Leicester City.

Under 16's

The Under 16's had a difficult game against a team that were unbeaten last season and fielded two England internationals.                  

The contest was fairly even in the first 25 minutes until the visitors stepped up a gear to hit the back of the net ten times for an emphatic victory.  It was a baptism of fire for the under 16's but they never stopped trying.

Under 14's

It was also a baptism of fire for the under 14's who were rocked by an injury to goalkeeper Bryony Dove and lost by a similar score line to the Under 16's.

Under 12's

In contrast the under 12's, fielding ten new players, were in total control. Laura O'Neill and Kashlie Johnson were outstanding at the back and goals from Emily Montgomery and debutant Rosie Hay sealed a deserved victory for Chesterfield's youngest players.

The performance and victory of the under 12's, against visitors of such high quality, bodes well for the future of the Centre's youngest players. 

Summing it up

Centre Director Stewart Rowley reflected in a positive fashion after the games: "Leicester have played weekly fixtures for two seasons, have great staff and a technical programme second to none."

"All of their players were athletes in the truest sense and they are standard bearers for all of us"

"Our Under 16's and Under 14's were both competitive in the first 25 minutes which underlines the difference in fitness and athleticism between the two Centre's."

 "However, with our SAQ programme now in place, and training twice a week, we are confident that our players will quickly improve"

"We have the best group of under 12's in all the years that I have been at the Centre, and with hard work and dedication I am hopeful that these players could play at the highest level"