President's Cup: Five stars who could shine for UKAF against the Dutch
It's the biggest game of the year for the UK Armed Forces women's football team, but who could inspire them to win their first President's Cup since 2019?
Across the pitch, the UKAF team have experience and attacking talent after naming a squad for the match against the Dutch Armed Forces that has to be considered strong.
The game will be broadcast live on the Forces News YouTube channel on Wednesday from 16:45 and here's five players you should watch out for.
Jamie-Lee Bamford (Royal Air Force)
If she's picked to start against the Dutch, the RAF shot-stopper will be making her debut at UKAF level.
She's a goalkeeper with lots of experience in the civilian game as she won the FA Women's National League Division 1 South East title with Hashtag United last year.
This season, she had an impressive campaign at Stourbridge before moving on due to service commitments in a new location.
This year also saw her make her Inter Services debut with the RAF, and she kept two clean sheets as the Air Force retained the titles with two wins from two.
A goalkeeper with Bamford's ability could be the difference in UKAF winning back the trophy.
Abigail Hayes (Royal Air Force)
Moving into defence and we're going to showcase the talent and versatility of Abigail Hayes.
She made her service debut last year as a towering centre-back and helped the Air Force win the trophy with good performances.
That resulted in a first UKAF call-up and a debut goal against the Irish Defence Forces, but 2024 saw a change in position.
With other talented players available at centre-back like Cat Beaver and Shauna Jenkins, Hayes moved into the left side of the defence, but still excelled.
Her ball-carrying and passing abilities could be a key outlet for Karl Milgate if she makes the left-back spot her own after Ciara Boylan's departure from the military.
Anna Birtwhistle (British Army)
This year was the first season that Anna Birtwhistle was given the captain's armband for the British Army, and while they didn't get the results they wanted in the Inter Services, her performances stood out.
A midfielder who isn't shy of making a tough tackle is one way of describing her playing style, but at the same time, her technique from set-pieces and key passing positions is where she can shine.
That was evident at the 2024 Edwards Cup final where she was captain fantastic for the Royal Artillery.
With an already packed midfield line-up including Courtney Jones, Mollie Lambert and Demi Edwards, Birtwhistle is looking to force her way into the UKAF starting line-up.
Libby Dixon (British Army)
Whenever the UK Armed Forces women's team scored a goal during Karl Milgate's spell in charge, you'd usually see Libby Dixon as the goalscorer.
She's been an incredible servant in front of goal for the team including scoring against the Dutch in the President's Cup in 2022.
After an absence for the British Army in 2023, she played against the RAF this year and will be looking to get back in with the goals at Sporting Khalsa.
However, she could be used in a wide role if our final spotlighted star gets a start.
Jade Berrow (Royal Navy)
The Royal Navy's top goal-getter has made a splash during UKAF games and Inter Services clashes over the last few years.
Jade Berrow scored a hat-trick against the British Army last year and followed that up with a goal against the Irish Defence Forces.
With the attacking talent of Demi Edwards, Pip Wilson and Lucy Farrow amongst others supplying chances, Berrow will be desperate to take an opportunity after missing a penalty in the shoot-out defeat to the Dutch two years ago.
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