The Island schoolboys head to Jersey tomorrow looking for a first win in the historic fixture in a decade, having not tasted victory since a 1-0 away triumph in 2016.
Now in his third season with the age group, head coach Darren Sylvester said their build-up had been much improved after numerous cancelled training sessions in previous years.
‘They probably don’t realise how lucky they are now because it just becomes commonplace,’ he said.
‘The fact that we’re here every week, it’s that consistency being able to plan and then act out that plan on a bi-weekly basis is the key thing for us.
‘We can just see that progression throughout the season, whereas in other years we’ve lost six weeks at times and we lose the fluidity and you almost start from scratch again whenever you get them back together.’
The Guernsey squad have also been able to travel away ahead of the fixture, winning 5-1 against Peacehaven, whose senior side play in the same league as Guernsey FC.
Sylvester and his fellow coaches have named a squad of 16 for Sunday, although they will be without talented junior Samir Sesay, who misses out through injury and would have been an important player for Guernsey.
‘It’s unusual that we’ve got six under-14s. Usually you might have two under-14s and the rest will be under-15, so we’ve got quite a lot of players from that cohort,’ he said.
‘Each year you’ve got a different mix, different individual strengths in different areas. We’ve got quite a few central midfielders this year but I guess I won’t say too much in terms of the formation that we’ll play.
‘They’ve been bonding really well and tonight they’ve been taking all their photos, ready for Sunday, just in case they get their moment and score a goal, and you can just see them beaming.
‘They’ve got the shirts on and you can see the excitement starting to bubble up. So we’ve got to try and keep it balanced so they don’t get too too excited and keep that energy for the game.’
This year’s Star Trophy squad is being sponsored by All Aspects Plumbing and Heating and the Guernsey coach said that support was crucial.
‘There are so many sports in the island, so finding sponsors is always really difficult,’ said Sylvester.
‘So Jed from All Aspects was really kind in coming forward and wanting to get involved. It’s expensive getting off the rock so it’s good to have people who want to get involved.’
Guernsey U15 squad
Tristan Domaille, Oscar Martin, Corey Henry, Ethan Budd, Marcus Marma, Leo Marley, Ravi Wiltshire, Fin Martin, Luca Brehaut, Jacques Mourant, Harry Bichard, Kyle Macfarlane, Joe Bradley, Teddy Sharp, Rafael Masterton, Levon Skillet.
The Mourant Girls Academy face Jersey Bulls at Victoria Park today with the Year 8 & 9 fixture at 12.30pm followed by the Year 6 & 7 match at 2pm. Tomorrow is also the Under-11 Primary Schools Muratti in Jersey.
Guernsey U11 squad
Alfie Dorey, Callum Lavenne, Cameron Le Tissier, Cian Van Schalkwyk, Edward Thomas, Frankie Bradford, Grayson Florance, Jackson Le Tocq, Louie Wallace, Milan Bartoszek, Parker Martel, Riley McCracken, Tyler Wallbridge, Zac De Carteret.
