Le Tissier revisits roots to inspire new players

Lioness Le Tissier wears a St Martin's AC shirt while meeting fan Olivia Cooper

Four young footballers from the Guerney's St Martin's AC have had the chance to meet Lioness Maya Le Tissier.

The Guernsey-born member of the England women's national football team - the Lionesses - wore the shirt of her first club, St Martin's, while training at Staffordshire's St George's Park with her teammates ahead of next month's Euros in Switzerland.

The rest of the squad also wore kit representing the teams that gave them their individual start in sport.

Among the budding players to visit Le Tissier was nine-year-old Olivia Cooper, who described the day as "amazing", adding that she hoped to be as good on the pitch as her idol one day.

The Lionesses were all wearing the shirts of their formative clubs to reflect on their own humble beginnings and to help inspire a new generation of young players.

"Maya is my favourite and it was really cool seeing her wear a St Martin's shirt," said Olivia, who was there with her mother Nikki.

"I also got an England shirt signed by her and am going to get it framed and put it above my bed when I get home."

Olivia added that one of her dreams is to play in the Muratti Vase, the annual men and women's football competition, inaugurated in 1905, between teams representing the Channel Islands.

"I want to be as good as Maya when I'm older," she said.

During her celebrated career, 23-year-old Le Tissier became the first person from Guernsey to win an FA Cup final in nearly 65 years.

She was centre-back for Manchester United Women's team when they beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at Wembley Stadium in May 2024, and she proudly carried the island's flag when she climbed the steps to receive her medal.

The last time someone from the island won the trophy was in 1959, when Bill Whare helped Nottingham Forest beat Luton Town 2-1.