TENBY Under 16 Girls are carving out a remarkable new identity this season after leaving the Pembrokeshire League to join the West Wales Women’s & Girls League — a bold, last-minute move that has already revitalised the team and delivered their first league victory.

With too few local opponents to sustain regular football, the coaching team faced a difficult choice: stay and risk the squad folding, or step into a tougher, more demanding league to guarantee the girls football to play.

They chose the latter.

“It wasn’t a decision we took lightly,” said coach Luke Rowland. “But the girls needed a season with real fixtures, real competition, and real opportunities to grow.

“Moving leagues was the only way to give them that.”

Coach Angie Nicholls praised how the players adapted: “Everything was new — the opposition, the intensity, the travel. But they embraced it. Their attitude has been first-class from day one.”

And the results are beginning to show.

Tenby have been competitive in all but one fixture so far, with performances growing stronger each week.

Two of the squad’s newest additions, Ffion and Grace, have settled in instantly, each earning Player of the Match awards for their early-season efforts.

Coach Craig Templeton highlighted the squad’s collective spirit: “Every player has stepped up. The new girls have brought energy, the older players have led by example, and the standard has risen right across the team.”

Longstanding captain Sophie reflected proudly on how the group has handled the upheaval: “It was scary at first, moving leagues and facing teams we didn’t know.

“But we stuck together, trained hard, and showed that we belong here. Getting our first win means everything — it proves all the effort was worth it.”

With this exciting new chapter underway, the club continues to welcome experienced players not currently linked to academies who want to be part of the journey. Interested players are invited to attend a training session and meet the squad.

The club also expresses its sincere thanks to its generous sponsors, whose backing has been vital in covering additional travel and running costs.

The coaches offered special appreciation to the parents for their trust, patience, and belief during the transition.

“Without their support, none of this is possible,” added Rowland. “They backed the move, they backed the team, and they backed us as coaches. We’re hugely grateful.”

As the Tenby U16 Girls look ahead to the rest of the season, one thing is already clear: their courage to forge a new path is paying off — and this determined young squad is only just getting started.