West Norfolk duo help county girls squad reach Southern Counties final

Two young footballers from West Norfolk have helped the girls’ under-16 county side reach the Southern Counties cup final.

Year 10 pupil Mya Parker, from the Downham Academy, and Year 11 student Kayla Rix, who attends King’s Lynn Academy, are part of the squad who will take on Kent in the final at Herne Bay Football Club later this month.

This is the first year in 12 years that Norfolk have ran a girls’ representative squad. They topped their group unbeaten with wins over Essex (4-1) and Suffolk (2-1) and a draw against Hertfordshire (1-1).

This led to a home semi-final against Surrey where they ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.

The growth of the girls game within the county has been brilliant to see and both goalkeeper Parker and midfielder Rix have been part of the journey.

Manager Alex Walpole, a teacher at King’s Lynn Academy, said: “This is a fantastic achievement from the girls to make the final.

“The team was only put together back in September after two rounds of trials and with limited games and training they have gelled brilliantly. Kent are the favourites but we will go down there and give it everything. “Ben (assistant manager) and myself would like to thank the parents for all their support over the course of the season as well as Dave Kimber and Rob McCombe.

“Without them, Norfolk Schools Football would not exist and these players would not have these opportunities.”

On the development of the two girls from West Norfolk, Walpole said: “I have taught Kayla since Year 7 so it’s been great to see her progression as a footballer, as a school we are so proud of her achievements.

“Kayla was on the scoresheet in our win over Essex earlier this season.

“Mya is one of the younger players in the team but has grown in confidence throughout the season.

“One of her highlights was a fingertip save at home to Peterborough United in a friendly a few months ago.”