Exmouth U9 Girls football team celebrate first major win

The girls' team, which was crowned champions of the Axminster Tigers Tournament, last weekend, was established back in March with just six girls at the first training session.

The squad quickly grew to 14 players with an ever-growing waiting list.

Two teams were created and today the squad boasts 20 active players.

Andy Empson, the team’s coach, has been delighted to see the team grow and rise to success.

He said: "I took my daughters to watch the Lionesses defeat Holland in a stunning 3-2 comeback at Wembley in December.

"My Eldest daughter had already been playing football for several years, but my youngest daughter had taken no interest in it whatsoever.

"However, after the final whistle, she turned to me and said, ‘Daddy, I want to play football, but only if you can be the coach!'"

Despite some lows when experiencing some heavy defeats in their initial matches against Central, Starcross, Fenition and Sidmouth in April, that did not dampen the spirit of the girls.

They continued with more intensive training and fortified their friendships off the field.

Exmouth United Under 9s Girls football team with their new kit (Image: Andrew Empson)

By May, they claimed their first win in a friendly match against Sidmouth.

The girls' passion and unwavering positivity have gained them the reputation of being "the loudest football team in Devon".

As for their tournament victories, the girls triumphed in five out of six matches, including an outstanding 3-0 win against Crediton, which confirmed their tournament victory.

In light of their love for football, sponsors have come in to support them. Business Palm Glazing Windows sponsored their match kit, while Effex Cleaning sponsored their training kit.

Thanks to Coastal Childcare, the girls will also have their own training jackets.

The girls will be back in the field at the Twyford Tournament in Tiverton in two weeks.