With the largest number of teams entering the Cumbria Women’s League Under 16 division since it began in 2010-11, the 2015-16 season began on a high!

The pre-season festival at the beginning of September enabled new teams to transition to the Under 16 age group with the 6 aside format allowing plenty of game time and touches on the ball throughout the day. The festival also allowed managers to meet or reacquaint in a friendly environment to prepare for the season ahead.

The start of the season began well with matches being played across the county, but Storm Desmond arrived on the final weekend before the Christmas break. The impact of the storms was to be felt until the end of the season with a number of pitches unplayable, but more damaging was the impact on homes and businesses across Cumbria.

Once the Christmas break was over, the fixtures were still affected with Carlisle based teams without a pitch and many other teams across the county left with badly waterlogged pitches. Thanks to links with the Carlisle Glass Longhorn Youth Football League, some games were played on the new 3G pitch until other local pitches became available later on in the season.

With lots of matches to fit in, evening games were arranged from April to complete the season, and thanks to the dedication of the players and coaches only a few games went unplayed. The League Cup competition was also run with the managers keen to give their players the chance of a Cup Final appearance.

Newcomers Stanwix FC were crowned League Champions for season 2015-16 while Penrith AFC Diamonds lifted the League Cup following a 3-0 victory over Abbeytown JFC.

Stanwix FC and Penrith AFC Diamonds also met in Cumberland FA's County Cup Final with Stanwix FC winning a close game 1-0 to claim the double!

Cumbria Women’s League would like to thank all parents and managers who have supported the players to enable them to play throughout the season.

Helen Aitchison (CWL secretary) commented “The season has been testing following a great start and with the largest number of teams entering it shows the strength of the girls game across Cumbria with more than 100 girls playing in the under 16 age group. The league wouldn’t be possible without the support of the managers, referees and the volunteer committee behind the scenes. We’re looking forward to building on this season and welcoming more new teams into the league.”

Following the AGM the team entries for season 2016-17 will be confirmed and fixtures will be confirmed shortly after.

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