Excitement is building for the return of the Cherry Godfrey Cup as the tournament heads to Guernsey’s Victoria Park on 26–27 June 2026.
Following the success of the inaugural competition in Jersey in 2024, four island teams – Guernsey, Jersey, the Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight – will once again come together to compete for the trophy in what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of football.
But the Cherry Godfrey Cup is about far more than football.
The tournament was created to celebrate and champion women’s sport while inspiring future generations of players. The importance of events like the Cherry Godfrey Cup becomes even clearer when we reflect on the history of women’s football. Over a century ago, women’s matches attracted huge crowds and demonstrated the immense talent that existed within the game. Yet despite its popularity, women’s football faced significant barriers and was even banned by the Football Association in 1921, stalling its growth for decades. It was only in the 1970s that the ban was lifted, allowing the sport to begin rebuilding and reclaiming its place.
That story of perseverance and determination is one that resonates strongly with Cherry Godfrey. In Guernsey, the company’s founder and CEO, David Cherry, was inspired by his father, who became the first referee locally to officiate a women’s football match at a time when many others were reluctant to do so. His willingness to challenge convention reflected values that remain central to Cherry Godfrey today: supporting inclusivity, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
The Cherry Godfrey Cup stands as a celebration of those values. It honours the pioneers who fought for recognition, the players who continue to raise standards on the pitch, and the communities that support them from the sidelines. Every ticket purchased and every supporter in the stands helps contribute to the continued growth of women’s football.
The inaugural tournament in 2024 demonstrated exactly what can happen when communities get behind women’s sport. Packed stands, passionate support and a dramatic penalty shoot-out final created an incredible atmosphere, with the Isle of Man ultimately lifting the first-ever Cherry Godfrey Cup. The overwhelming response showed just how much appetite there is for high-quality women’s football across the islands.
Now, Guernsey has the opportunity to take things even further.
Across two days, supporters will witness four island teams battling for pride, passion and the coveted Cherry Godfrey Cup. Friday evening's semi-finals will determine who progresses to Saturday's third-place play-off and showpiece final, where one team will lift the trophy and etch their name into island football history.
Women’s football has come a long way, but its journey is still being written. By filling the stands at Victoria Park this June, supporters can help write the next chapter. Come and support your island, celebrate outstanding athletes and experience what promises to be one of the sporting highlights of the summer. The players will provide the entertainment – now they need the crowd to match it.
