Women’s Under-19s player Blue Bartlett-Antwi is targeting a strong end to the FA Women’s National League Cup group phase for our young side.
Having already faced FAWNL sides Luton Town and Oxford United, our Academy side will conclude action in Group E on Sunday afternoon (2pm) against MK Dons at Stadium MK – tickets available here to buy for supporters.
The competitions have provided our youngsters the opportunity to test themselves against senior opposition, as high as tier three of the Women’s football pyramid, and this weekend is no different against the Dons, who compete in the FAWNL Division One South East.
Although Sabiha Jamal’s side have yet to pick up any points in the group, a victory on Sunday could see them progress to FAWNL Plate as one of 20 best third-place teams.
The Ghana youth international, Blue, has seen the competition as a learning experience already and is excited to challenge themselves once again at Stadium MK.
“We’re excited and looking forward to the test this weekend,” she said. “I know the team’s definitely ready for the challenge.
“The cup has been very beneficial. They have helped us a lot to develop and progress. We had a lot of senior opposition in pre-season, which helped us massively to prepare for the campaign and this competition. It prepares you physically, mentally and tactically.”
When asked about the biggest learning curves, she added: “I’ll tell you the atmosphere is a big one, but the physicality as playing against women.
“They play differently to what we face in the PGA, so it’s certainly more of a fight on the pitch, but that’s nothing we shy away from or nothing we can’t handle.”
Our Under-19s head into the contest on a run of three unbeaten games in the Professional Game Academy League, most recently, beating Crystal Palace 7-6 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Reflecting on the start of the season, Blue said: “It has been a difficult start in some aspects but we’ve learnt a lot very quickly over the last few weeks. I personally enjoyed them and I know the team has. I can see how we’re all coming together, in training and games.”
Join us at Stadium MK and support our next generation of players, with tickets priced at £8 for Adults, £4 for Over-65s and Under-18s, and £2 for Under-12s. Tickets available to buy online here or at Stadium MK on the day.