The U12 Girls Warriors were thrilled to be invited by the Chelsea community team to join their Girls Development Academy in a training match at the Chelsea Training Centre in Cobham on 7 January. To say our girls were excited is an understatement! We arrived at the training centre and were immediately impressed with the scale of the place and the amazing facilities. The girls were quite nervous in the run up to the event, but the Chelsea coaches were very welcoming as soon as we met them, and the Chelsea girls too. Our 15 girls played three 20 minute 9 a side matches against two alternating full Chelsea teams in the indoor Arena, a superb 4G pitch. Despite the obvious challenge of playing a premiership academy side, the Hampton and Richmond girls held their heads high and did not feel overwhelmed. They played hard and really raised their game, making their coaches Andy Wadham and Craig Taylor immensely proud of them. The pace and skill levels were, of course, in another league but our girls in red and navy acquitted themselves well with some strong defensive work, and when they were able to get into the Chelsea end they had a few chances, but inevitably the blues were able to avoid any potential attacks and won all three matches. An amazing and inspiring experience for the Hampton and Richmond Warriors, who all came off the pitch with broad smiles and tired legs. We hope to arrange a repeat match around Easter, and the girls can't wait to go back!