Ongar Juniors Girls Team: From Local Roots to County Cup Finalists

This season sees Ongar Juniors FC Girls U15 reach the Final of the Essex Under 15's Girls Cup, set to be played at Parkside Stadium in Aveley (home of Aveley FC) on Sunday 1st March, where they’ll face Billericay Town Under 15’s. It’s a huge achievement for the squad and a proud moment for everyone involved, players, coaches, families, and the wider Ongar community.

But this success hasn’t come overnight. It’s the result of years of commitment, teamwork, and steady guidance from manager Greg Goodwin, who has been with the girls through every age group, helping them grow not only as footballers but as a close-knit team.

2022–2023: Building Foundations and Gaining Momentum

The story really began in the 2022–2023 season, when Greg Goodwin and Steve Reynolds managed the Under 12’s Girls. The team played 27 games, winning 17, drawing 2, and losing 8. They found the back of the net an impressive 93 times and celebrated not just team victories, but individual milestones, like Summer Miller’s 50th goal. The year saw new players join, some moving on, and a real sense of unity developing within the squad. Promotion twice in a single season was no small feat, but it was the friendships and team spirit that stood out most.

2023–2024: Promotion and Outstanding Results

In the 2023–2024 season, the girls competed in Division B of the Essex Girls League. This year, Christy McKeon joined the coaching team alongside Greg and Steve. The team’s consistency and drive saw them finish as one of the top sides in their division, with every player stepping up and embracing the challenge. Their hard work and togetherness paid off with another year of growth and development, both on and off the pitch.

2024–2025: Facing New Challenges with Confidence

This past year, as Under 14’s, the team continued to build on their reputation. They finished 4th in the league and reached the league cup final, showing resilience and unity even when things got tough. Their journey has now brought them to the Essex Under 15's Cup Final, a testament to their determination and the strong bonds they’ve built over the seasons.

2025–2026: Building for the Future

The new season brings fresh energy, with Stuart Redgrove joining the coaching team. Ongar Juniors Girls U15 continue to push themselves, always striving to develop as players and as a team, with their eyes set on inspiring the next generation of girls’ football in Ongar.

Our Club Story

Ongar Juniors is the only grassroots team based in the town of Ongar, a community with a population of just 7,000. The club is built on strong community values and a belief that football is much more than just a sport, it’s about passion, teamwork, and inspiring young people. Our U15 girls were the first ever girls’ team in Ongar, formed in 2021 through our Wildcat programme. The original team came together from two local primary schools, Chipping Ongar and High Ongar, and remarkably, all the original members attended the same pre-school.

We are proud that four of our original Wildcats, Summer, Arabella, Isla (Vice Captain), and Gabby (Club Captain), are still with us. Over five seasons, the team has grown into one of the top sides in the county and has helped develop players who have gone on to Chelsea and Arsenal academies, with others playing at high levels for West Ham, Hashtag, and New Level.

Our girls have been pioneers for girls’ football in Ongar, establishing a positive reputation for playing attractive football with sportsmanship and respect. We hope to continue developing the team into Ongar’s first ever women’s team, inspiring even more local girls to get involved.

More Than Just Results

What really sets this team apart is the sense of community and support that’s grown around them. Through highs and lows, the girls have stuck together, always guided by Greg’s dedication and belief in their potential. Their story is about more than just football; it’s about friendship, perseverance, and the positive impact grassroots sport has on young people and their communities.

As they prepare for their biggest match yet, the whole of Ongar is behind them. Whatever the outcome on 1st March, the Ongar Juniors Girls Team have already made their mark as local heroes and role models for the next generation.

Show Your Support – Be There on Final Day!

The girls have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, and nothing would mean more than seeing a sea of familiar faces cheering them on from the stands. Whether you’re a family member, friend, local business owner, or just passionate about supporting grassroots sport, come along and show your Ongar pride!

Join us at Parkside Stadium in Aveley on Sunday 1st March and help create an unforgettable atmosphere for the team as they take on Billericay Town Under 15’s in the Essex Under 15's Cup Final. Your encouragement could make all the difference, let’s fill the stands and give the girls the support they deserve!