On Sunday, Taradale AFC Women claimed the title of Federation Cup Champions for 2021. The journey was a long one from the being runner-up in the same competition in 2019. Funnily enough, the same opposition that bettered Taradale in 2019, lined up against them again in this latest final. That opposition was Excel Refrigeration Moturoa, who had just dominated the Taranaki Premiership, won that competition and only conceded four goals in the process.

This is a very different Taradale side from that of 2019. Seven of the current squad remain, four of whom were just beginning their senior football journey at the time.

Senior players in the 2021 campaign are limited to Grace Fulford (GK), Jess Gates (CB), Captain Cara O’Neill (WF) and Player-Coach Aleesha Heywood (ST), with the majority of the team all still in High School.

“This year was all about Development. To get through to a Cup Final was a great achievement but to win it was even better. We’ll take that.”

Seeing the young group develop and get along as a team had also been an encouraging sign for the team

“In regard to development, we’ve got a group that work really well, train hard and get on together off the field. A credit to them all, especially the younger ones for stepping up when they’ve come on the field.”

The season had been a real eye opener for some of their youngest. Charlotte Cameron, Isla Cleal-Harding, Olivia Harding And Megan Thomas, all of whom are 14 to end up Champions was the icing on the cake of a great experience for their first taste of Federation Football in 2021.

Most of the time, we’ve started with a couple of 14 year old’s on the field and a couple on the bench. When they’ve been on, they’ve really grown into their positions. Megan Thomas who by the end of the season had made the left back position her own.

Other talented players within the group include dynamic midfielders Milla Green, Jamie Evans and Samantha Waru, defenders Holly Barclay and Zoe Perks, and goal scoring winger Hollie Gee.

With this young squad, the future certainly looks bright for Taradale AFC. For now the group can enjoy the off-season as Federation Cup Champions for 2021. Congratulations to Taradale AFC.

Half Time score - Taradale 3 - Moturoa 0  Cara O'Neil 5', Hollie Gee 32', Jamie Evans 45'

Full Time Score - Taradale 3 - Mouroa 2  Fernanda Toscani 48'  90+4'

Article added: Tuesday 12 October 2021