The Tenby U16 Girls are carving out a remarkable new identity this season after leaving the Pembrokeshire League to join the West Wales Women’s & Girls League — a bold, last-minute move that has already revitalised the team and delivered their first league victory this weekend.
 
With too few local opponents to sustain regular football, the coaching team faced a difficult choice: to stay and risk the squad folding, or step into a tougher, more demanding league to guarantee the girls football to play. They chose the latter.
 
“It wasn’t a decision we took lightly,” said coach Luke Rowland. “But the girls needed a season with real fixtures, real competition, and real opportunities to grow. Moving leagues was the only way to give them that.”
 

Coaches Angie and Craig are delighted

 
Coach Angie Nicholls praised how the players adapted: “Everything was new — the opposition, the intensity, the travel. But they embraced it. Their attitude has been first-class from day one.”
 
And the results are beginning to show. Tenby have been competitive in all but one fixture so far, with performances growing stronger each week. Two of the squad’s newest additions, Ffion and Grace, have settled in instantly, each earning Player of the Match awards for their early-season efforts. Their arrival has added both warmth off the pitch and a fresh competitive edge on it.
 
Coach Craig Templeton highlighted the squad’s collective spirit: “Every player has stepped up. The new girls have brought energy, the older players have led by example, and the standard has risen right across the team.”
 

Enjoying the challenge – and newcomers still welcome

 
Longstanding captain Sophie reflected proudly on how the group has handled the upheaval:
“It was scary at first, moving leagues and facing teams we didn’t know. But we stuck together, trained hard, and showed that we belong here. Getting our first win means everything — it proves all the effort was worth it.”
 
With this exciting new chapter underway, the club continues to welcome experienced players not currently linked to academies who want to be part of the journey. Interested players are invited to attend a training session and meet the squad. We meet every Thursday 5-6pm at Greenhill School’s new 3G pitch. We aim to build a strong, competitive, yet fun environment for the girls to shine this season and in the coming years! If this is of interest, please contact one of the coaches!
 

And finally . . .

 
The club also expresses its sincere thanks to its generous sponsors, whose backing has been vital in covering additional travel and running costs. The coaches offered special appreciation to the parents for their trust, patience, and belief during the transition.
 
“Without their support, none of this is possible,” added Luke Rowland. “They backed the move, they backed the team, and they backed us as coaches. We’re hugely grateful.”
 
As the Tenby U16 Girls look ahead to the rest of the season, one thing is already clear: their courage to forge a new path is paying off — and this determined young squad is only just getting started!
 
Sponsors: Tenby Lions, Matt & Jess Lewis, Tenby Stores and Post Office, Tenby Round Table, Neil Finlay Cars, Davies Decorators, Big Brums, Club Cymru, Belvedere House Residential Care Home, Lisa Cook Tutoring, Jamie Rigby, Geraint & Kelly Thomas, South Pembs Sharks Female Rugby, Charlton Cards
 
Coaches:  Luke Rowland, Angie Nicholls, Craig Templeton.
 
Tenby Girls’ Squad:
 Chloe Bird,  Eliza Wood, Layla Karaka, Polly Joseph, Esme Finley, Maci Davies, Carys Bolton. Georgia Lewis, Gemma Ross Collard, Gracie Eva Snell, Emma Nicholas; Sophie Gilmartin, Abbigail Collinson, Lucianna Escott, Ffion Walter-Jones, Chloe Evans, Grace Rugby-Ryder, Tilly Adela McDonald, Maisie Templeton