“A moment they deserve” – Jamal previews Women’s Under-16s Cup Final

Sabiha Jamal is hoping today’s Professional Game Academy (PGA) Champions Trophy Final is an opportunity for the Women's Under-16s to represent themselves on a ‘big stage’.

Having reached the final of this competition for the first time, our Academy will take on Blackburn Rovers in the showpiece event at Sixways Stadium this afternoon (12pm UK) after overcoming Bristol City at the semi-final stage.

It has certainly been a season full of growth for our youngsters, which has seen a number of our Under-16s step up to Under-21s level this campaign, while goalkeeper Sophie Jackson was named amongst the substitutes in the first team’s matchday squad for their trip to Everton in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

Coach Sabiha has been pleased with the development of her players since she joined in the summer, highlighting the hard work the whole squad have put in to to reach this stage of the competition.

“Honestly, I’m just most pleased for the girls, I genuinely feel like it’s the least they deserve given how hard they’ve worked so far this season,” she told us.

“There’s been a positive environment throughout the squad, from coaching staff to the players, and it’s more than anything I could have asked for in my first season with the Club.

“We’ve worked so well together to make sure the players are getting everything - from the technical and tactical aspects to all the physical demands, while also enjoying themselves, and for me, this all starts with the staff.

“We’re now looking forward to going out there on Saturday and pushing to go one step further in this Cup.”

Usually competing in a boys' league at the weekends, Sabitha believes today’s final will give all the players a unique experience that will only help guide them for their future careers.

“For the players, this is a glimpse into what their careers could look like. We usually play in a boys' league at the weekend so, I think, this will put things into perspective of what they’re trying to achieve,” she added.

“I’m sure it will be one of many cup finals for a lot of them, but this is a big stage, and they will have to play under more pressure than what they’re usually used to. However, seeing how this group of players have developed, I think we’ve got more than enough characters in this changing room to give it a really good go and hopefully that will be enough in the game.”