THE Devon Football Association County Ground at Newton Abbot (TQ12 1EJ) will play host to a double header of girls' football this Saturday, January 10, as the Devon Schools FA Under 14 and Under 16 Girls compete for a place in the English Schools FA (ESFA) Inter-County Cup semi-finals.

The Under 14 Girls will kick off the action as they take on Hertfordshire (12.30pm kick off) before the Under 16s take centre stage against Middlesex later in the afternoon (4pm kick off).

It is a rare opportunity to see the best of girls' football in Devon on one afternoon, with both age groups showcasing the talent, commitment and passion that exists within representative football from the North, South, East, and West of Devon.

It marks another step in the meteoric rise for the girls' game in the County, which has seen Lioness, Katie Robinson, come through the Devon Emerging Talent Centre programme, several current players earn international recognition through the age groups, as well as back-to-back Inter-County Cup finals in 2024 and 2025.

Devon County FA Head Of Delivery and Women and Girls Lead, Matt Hodgson, emphasised the growth of the girls' game in Devon and encouraged people to come and support the teams.

He said: “We’ve seen incredible growth across Devon in recent years when it comes to the girls’ game, and the Devon Schools FA teams are the perfect representation of this.

“We’re seeing more and more girls taking up football, and it’s more accessible than ever before. The players featuring on Saturday are not only extremely talented, but they are also excellent role models for young girls just starting their journey in the game.

“Saturday is set to be a fantastic occasion, and I’d encourage anyone to come along to the County Ground and see the talent on display.”

Devon County FA works to support and develop Devon football, to provide an inclusive and positive experience for all.

Working alongside the Devon Football Family the Devon County FA Ten Year Vision for the grassroots game focuses on Five Key Pillars: Connection, Culture, People, Place and wellbeing.