Girls and women's soccer thriving at Passage Football Club in the CWSSL

Passage AFC girls’ section is enjoying one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, with league titles, county honours, and school achievements highlighting the remarkable growth of the game in the town.

Across multiple age groups, the club has built not only successful teams but also a strong community spirit that continues to inspire young players and their families alike.

This season has been particularly memorable, with Passage teams claiming league honours at U12, U15, U16, and U19 level. 

The achievements reflect years of dedication from players, coaches, volunteers, and parents who have worked tirelessly to develop girls’ soccer within the club. 

Coach Tina Murphy was thrilled with this years success.

“Thankfully, we’ve enjoyed another great year for the club,” said Murphy. 

At the centre of the club’s recent success has been the outstanding progression of the U15 and U16 girls. 

Coached by Carissa Sheehan, alongside myself and John Murphy, Laura Finlay, and Chloe Walsh, the squad has developed into one of the most competitive and organised teams in underage soccer.

“Last season, the group produced an unbeaten league campaign to finish top of Division 2. 

"Several members of the then U15 squad also played a key role with the club’s U16 side, helping them reach the CWSSL U16 Cup Final where they finished runners-up after a superb cup run.” 

Rather than resting on their success, the team has continued to improve this season. They secured top spot in Division 1 to earn promotion to the Premier Division, another significant milestone for the club. 

Their performances in the CWSSL U16 Cup also demonstrated the progress being made, with the girls narrowly missing out in a highly competitive contest against Midleton.

The achievements of the U16s have been mirrored throughout the club. Passage’s U12, U15, and U19 teams all topped their respective leagues, underlining the strength of the girls’ section from top to bottom. 

The success across so many age groups is a testament to the player development taking place within the club and reflects the commitment shown by coaches and volunteers who continue to nurture young talent in Passage West.

“Our club’s influence extends beyond league football. Many players have also enjoyed significant success representing their schools, particularly St. Peter’s and Regina Mundi. Competing in highly competitive schools’ competitions, the girls have represented their schools with distinction and further demonstrated the high standard of football being developed in Passage West. 

"Balancing club commitments, school soccer, and representative football is no easy task, but these young players continue to excel both on and off the pitch.

“We have also seen a growing number of players selected to represent Cork at underage level, another indication of the quality emerging from the club. 

"Girls from Passage have earned county honours at U12, U13, U14, and U15 level, giving them the opportunity to compete against some of the best young players in the country. 

"These selections are richly deserved and provide further encouragement for younger players coming through the ranks.” 

However, while trophies and representative honours are important, Passage Girls Soccer Club believes its greatest strength lies in something even more valuable — community.

“Passage Girls Soccer Club is more than just a soccer team; it is a family, a community, and a source of identity for the young girls who proudly wear the club crest. 

"At the heart of the club is an unbreakable sense of belonging. Community is not simply something the players talk about; it is woven into the fabric of the team and ingrained in every player who pulls on the jersey.

“These girls do not just play for points or trophies — they play for one another, for their town, and for the community that has supported and shaped them along the way. 

"In an age where many young people can feel disconnected, Passage provides something increasingly important: identity, friendship, and belonging. The club is helping to develop confident, resilient young women while creating memories and friendships that will last long beyond their playing days.” 

To cap off what has already been a remarkable year, the Passage U15/U16 girls will travel to Spain this October to compete in the prestigious Barcelona Cup. 

The trip represents a hugely exciting opportunity for the players to test themselves against international opposition while proudly representing their club and town abroad.

For the girls, it promises to be an unforgettable experience both on and off the pitch. For Passage, it is another proud milestone in what has become a golden period for girls’ soccer in the community. 

With strong foundations, talented players, and a united club spirit, the future continues to look exceptionally bright for Passage girls’ soccer.