After a strong return to girls’ football last season, the sport proved even more popular this year with the group almost doubling in size. Many girls had returned from last year; however, some were new to the game and had the urge to learn. We started with high tempo training sessions to quickly select the new and improved 1st XI squad to start preparing for the upcoming fixtures.

The girls quickly become comfortable playing with one and other, the spirit and confidence levels rose as our first match approached. We saw ourselves facing Wymondham college at home and had high hopes of getting our first win. With a strong starting line-up, Lizzie Henson and Eliza Prior proved their dominance in the centre midfield, providing great links to Freya Tyack upfront. Although we started on top of the game, with a couple of crucial mistakes we found ourselves down 2-0, however lizzie Henson brought back hope scoring just before half time. A few positional rotations during the break saw George Flatt coming into centre back and Lila Eden moving to a forward position, scoring a second half hat trick. This combined with another amazing goal from lizzie Henson saw the girls achieve the comeback they deserved. Supporting this Mia Norris stayed strong at right back, using Mitzie Lewis on the wing to work beautifully as a pair, keeping us on top, followed by Anais Kotter working hard to link the ball to midfield. Final score 5-2 to Norwich, man of match went to Mia Norris.

Our second game saw us facing Gresham’s away after a long year since our last unfortunate defeat to them, however this year we came back stronger and more ready than ever. This match saw the move of Freya Tyack to midfield to work in a pair with lizzie Henson, the two accepting no threat from the opposition. Lizzie scored her first goal followed by Freya getting two. The pair worked effortlessly to get the ball up to Lila Eden and Jemima Curtis upfront, showing 2 goals from Lila and one from Jemima. Jess Sargent proved herself worthy in defence alongside India Fox who made her first appearance, stopping every attack that came her way. Half time saw Liv Tighe and George Flatt coming on providing fresh energy into the attack. Through all the oppositions attacks we only conceded 2 goals, proving a huge improvement from last year. Lizzie Henson scored two more goals to gain herself a hat trick, ending the match with a score of 8-2 to Norwich. Man of match went to India Fox.

With our team only improving throughout the season, upon facing Wymondham for the second time away, we started the game with high hopes of a different first half outcome compared to the first match. After a tense first half with many missed opportunities, Freya Tyack finally scored just before half time to put us on top. The second half showed a different attitude from our squad with the desire to score more goals and win this game. Edie Martin showed dominance on the wing, effortlessly going through the opposition with great link ups with George Flatt, earning Edie her first goal. With our confidence now improving, Lizzie Henson and Freya Tyack combined well together providing endless through balls to Lila Eden upfront, where she scored a seven minute hat trick. With the Wymondham side clearly falling apart under pressure, Liv Tighe used this to her advantage and scored one past their defence. Special mentions go to our defence keeping a clean sheet, with many amazing saves from our keeper Freya Osborne, and Colette Maxwell-Preston at centre back stopping any counter attacks and working well to clear the ball from our own half. Final score 6-0 to Norwich. Man of match went to Colette Maxwell-Preston.

With our final game of the season approaching, our technical training had improved, and we were ready to end the season on a high. As Gresham’s arrived it was clear they brought a different squad, possibly posing a bigger threat than the previous game. With Lizzie Henson out injured, Eliza prior came back into centre mid to keep the squad strong, easing our nerves for the match ahead. The first half proved difficult as the game started end to end. Thankfully Lila Eden got an early goal to secure the lead and show we were here to win once again.

As Gresham’s clearly worked hard to equalise before half time, this brought tension and even more determination to come back on top. As the second half started we once again found our rhythm and Freya Tyack, from two strong solo runs, scored 2 goals and continued to dominate that area of the pitch. Special mention to Izzy Kirby for her ability to stop any potential attack from Gresham’s and Mia Norris for her relentless attacking at pace which ended with Jemima Curtis finding herself clear on goal and slotting the ball right in the bottom corner, securing us a 4-1 win to end the season. Man of the match went to Mia Norris.

It was clear that the hard work every single player put in this season gave them the outcome they deserved. For just the second year of girls football back since covid, the squad had just continued to improve every single week, leaving such an incredible and strong team at the end. With many crucial upper 6 players sadly saying goodbye to football at Norwich School, we hope that the remaining players can take the experience from this season and give it their best for their remaining years to come. The girls all thank Mr Cole for giving us the opportunity to shine this season, which we couldn’t have done without him and his endless support and encouragement.

- Lila Eden (U6V) 1st XI Girls Captain