By Isle of Wight Observer
Independent financial services company, Cherry Godfrey, with offices in Newport, has revealed exciting plans to launch the Cherry Godfrey Cup – the very first four island women’s football tournament.
Teams from the Isle of Wight, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man, will battle it out over a two-day tournament to win the brand-new Cherry Godfrey Cup. The competition will be held every two years, with the first contest taking place this year on August 23 and 24 at Springfield, the football stadium in this year’s host island – Jersey.
The company is working closely with the four local football associations and teams to elevate women’s football across the islands and showcase female footballing talent. Everyone involved is itching to see which island will be lifting the cup for the very first time.
Tanzy Cherry, chief operating officer, said: “It was only a few months ago that we were discussing with the Guernsey FA how we could support women’s football within the islands. As far as we knew, there wasn’t a significant tournament outside of the Island Games that gave the teams the opportunity to showcase their incredible talent. To be able to officially launch the Cherry Godfrey Cup resulting from that conversation is a huge achievement. Both the team and I couldn’t be prouder to be sharing the news with everyone across the islands.
“A massive thank you to all the FAs for their support. We are all very excited for what we believe is set to become an iconic event for many years to come.”
Jonathan Le Fondre, football services manager of the Jersey Football Association, added: “We’re delighted to be hosting the inaugural Cherry Godfrey Cup and are looking forward to welcoming supporters, sponsors and our friends from Guernsey, Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight. It was clear from our discussions, with Cherry Godfrey, that they are extremely passionate about women’s football in the islands and the launch of this tournament next month will build upon the fantastic growth of the women’s game.”
Play-offs will be held on Friday, August 23. The match to decide 3rd and 4th places will be played on the morning of Saturday 24, concluding with the big final in the afternoon at 3pm.
More information and the fixtures draw will be available closer to the time. Cherry Godfrey is funding travel and accommodation expenses for the teams, and entry to all matches will be free of charge to encourage supporters to attend and cheer their teams on. Islanders can enjoy watching some superb football, support our ladies, and celebrate the bank holiday weekend whilst making new friends.
There are limited sponsorship opportunities and tables available at the Gala Lunch, so any potential corporate sponsors are encouraged to get in contact as soon as possible by emailing marketing@cherrygodfrey.com.