Wilton United field first women's U19 team in their history

Wilton United Football Club created a bit of club history last weekend when they fielded their first U19 women’s team.

A comfortable win over Carrigaline was a bonus, but being able to produce a team at this age was the real winner for the most successful women's team in Cork.

Wilton have a strong tradition winning numerous of titles in every age group while producing superb players over the past two decades however sometimes their success has being their biggest downfall.

Having great players resulted in players being signed up by League of Ireland clubs across the country. 

Former players are now plying their trade with teams such as Cork City, Cobh Ramblers, Shamrock Rovers, and not to forget to mention Denise O'Sullivan playing with North Carolina Courage in the States.

While it is fantastic to see girls progress in their playing careers, it hasn't always being easy to keep the conveyer belt going at the club. 

In one year alone the club lost a number of players from the successful side that myself and John McHale managed. 

Alix Mendez, Mia O'Connell and Laura Shine headed to City following other talents Jesse Mendez and Lauren Walsh. 

The following season Chloe Atkinson, Ellie O'Brien, Hazel Walsh, Kelsey Cooper, Caoimhe Golden also departed the club. 

There has being many others join League of Ireland clubs since, but we were lucky to have guys like Pat Bowdren and Pat O'Driscoll who continued to look after the young girls to the club.

So while we've kept the young teams tipping away, it was always important as a club to bridge that gap from U16 to senior level. 

We believe at times for certain players, the jump from 16s to senior was a little too much, and it was shameful to see girls depart the club with no continuous pathway so to eventually be able to field a 19s team is great for all involved.

Last weekend as the girls took to the field for their first game against Carrigaline at Ballea Park, it was a new squad of players who had come together just three weeks before. 

It took time to gel but the girls produced a great performance and overall they had a comfortable and deserved win which hopefully will be the start of great things to come for the young side.

Managed and coached by myself, Pat Bowdren and Pat O'Driscoll we now have a squad of players who are eager to learn and eager to make it onto the senior team in the not too distant future. 

There may even be the possibility of fielding two senior teams if numbers increase as rapidly as they are. 

Our senior side this season had their biggest numbers in years and so with the 19s on board now, it looks a promising future with a more clearer pathway from underage.

Senior manager Louis Nolan talks about the importance of having a feeder team in the club for the senior team.

"It's fantastic that we have an U19 team for the coming season," said Nolan.

It will be highly beneficial for the club in several ways.

"The U19 team will provide a clear progression path for young female footballers, allowing them to develop their skills and potentially move into the senior team. This continuity ensures that young talent is nurtured within the club.

"It also serves as a feeder system for the senior team, ensuring that there is a steady flow of talented players who are already familiar with the club's style of play, culture, and values.

"Its also crucial to promote women's football at the grassroots level, encouraging more young girls to get involved in the sport. This not only strengthens the club but also contributes to the growth of women’s football as a whole.

"Its important that the club retain players who might otherwise leave due to a lack of opportunities for growth by providing a pathway from the U16's through to the senior team.

"In addition to that it provides opportunities for aspiring coaches within the club to gain experience, working with younger players and honing their coaching skills in a structured environment.

"Overall, establishing an U19 team at Wilton United will secure the long-term success of the club, both on and off the pitch. It is an investment in the future, fostering talent, community engagement, and the overall growth of women's football in Cork."