Women celebrate after RAF Brize Norton team win first trophy

The RAF Brize Norton side secured the title at the Oxford City Business Tournament, impressing as late entrants in the competition.

The team drew with the top-ranked side in the group stage before edging through a tense semi-final to reach the final.

A goalless match led to a penalty shootout, where the Brize Norton players held their nerve to claim victory.

Rebecca, Laura, Emily, Ruby, Nuala, and Kaitlyn played throughout the competition, helping the team secure their first piece of silverware.

Sergeant Kyle Scott, RAF FA grassroots women’s lead, said: “This was a great first outing for the women, and it is fantastic to see participation and opportunities continuing to grow.

“Over the coming months, I hope this framework will be introduced across all RAF stations to further support and accelerate the growth of women’s football.”

The team’s success follows a grassroots initiative led by the RAF Football Association and its sub-committee to boost women’s participation and create new playing opportunities across the service.

Group Captain Gav Anderson, head of RAF Football, said: “Congratulation to the RAF Brize Norton women’s team on winning the Oxford City Business Tournament.

“Brize Norton have had tremendous success at military competitions in recent seasons, and it is great to see them add this civilian silverware to their trophy cabinet.

“We hope that it is the first of many community successes in the seasons to come.”

The tournament success represents an important milestone for women’s football within the RAF.