Page 16 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No10 2020/21

To keep active during the lockdown and help relieve some of the boredom from not
playing football, Tupsley Girls Under-12 Pumas set themselves a challenge to virtually
tour all of the grounds of the clubs playing in the Barclays FA WSL.
This would mean a total of 647 miles and whenever a player from team goes for
a walk, run or cycle ride, their mileage will be taken off the total.
The challenge started on 24th January and - in the words of the club -
“collectively smashed it” and reached their target well within the six weeks they had
allotted. They then took the decision to extend the challenge to take in all of the FA
Women’s Championship clubs for a further 789 miles, taking the total distance to a
huge 1,434 miles.
There is also a serious side to Tupsley’s challenge as they are raising money for
Cardiac Risk in the Young, in memory of local boy Kieran Joyce who tragically died
aged 15 in September 2019. The money raised will help fund vital screening which can
identify cardiac risk. For every £5,000 the Charity raises, a screening team can come
to Hereford and test 100 young adults.
The players have also been boosted by video messages of encouragement from
the WSL and Championship clubs.
We know current times are difficult for everyone but any gift will be gratefully
appreciated and the charity will be so thankful. The fundraiser will be closing this
coming Sunday (7th March) and if you wish to make a donation, please visit the
Facebook page set up by the club at:
www.facebook.com/donate/865412767606267/?fundraiser_source=external_url

Northern Ireland have been drawn against Ukraine in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022
play-offs next month.
Ukraine will host the first leg, with the return likely to be played in Belfast. The
venues and dates have still to be confirmed, however they will be staged between 7
and 13 April.
This will be one of three play-off ties to decide who will be the final three teams
to qualify for the Finals, which will be held in England. In the other matches, Portugal
have been paired with Russia, whilst the Czech Republic will take on Switzerland. The
draw was conducted by Nadine Kessler, who is UEFA’s Head of Women’s Football.
Ukraine are currently 24th in the FIFA World Rankings, with Northern Ireland
in 49th place. The Ukrainians finished as runners-up in Group I behind Germany,
finishing just above Republic of Ireland having narrowly won 1-0 when the two teams
met towards the end of the qualifying campaign.
The last time that Northern Ireland met Ukraine in an international was at the
Pinatar Cup in Spain twelve months ago, Ukraine beating an inexperienced Northern
Ireland side 4-0 on that occasion.

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Issue no. 10 - 4 March 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk