“I think we started really well and that came from us preparing well tactically because we faced a side, or a tactical structure, that we have never faced or come across in any other games. With the changes and Leicester adapting, we then had to start adapting ourselves and there were moments where they dominated phases in the second half, which we did struggle with.
“But, defensively, there was a big desire and, across the whole group, there was a desire to defend, if it was even players on the bench who came on and contributed to the success. I’m just so proud of every single player in this squad, even those that were injured and watching from the sidelines, to dig deep and come out as champions.”
Our starting XI on the day in west London saw six first years involved, their first campaign competing at this level after stepping up from the Under-14s, and they certainly didn’t look out of place on a very big afternoon.
“The group is very versatile, and we had to make a lot of tactical decisions due to the fact of Leicester's set up and what they play and what they do,” Stella added. “The fact that they are able to conduct themselves that well and show their resilience, how good they are as first years, as well and that they can compete without any problem, especially with dominating first half, is very, very positive to see.”
There’s still plenty left to play for our Under-16s this term as, this weekend, they continue their defence of the PGA Champions Trophy – where they lifted that silverware last term – with a trip to Manchester City in the semi-final.
“This is a very special group,” she told us. “They are very different characters, but they all build a very good team together and I think you can see that from the start of the season. So, to come this far, winning a trophy and now still being in a competition where you can still win another trophy or play in a final, it is very important and we want to push that momentum.”