Royal Navy women 'hopeful' ahead of Inter Services home fixture against the RAF
The last time the Royal Navy women came face to face with the team from the Royal Air Force, they experienced heartbreak when they conceded the Inter Services title to the RAF by a goal difference.
This is a team that has not lifted the Inter Services trophy since the inception of the women's game in the UK Armed Forces.
But, despite missing some key players due to deployments and injuries, the Navy women still believe that they have the strength in numbers to get the job done in 2025.
"Yeah, the team is looking strong, we've had a few additions and new players," Head Coach Chief Petty Officer Glenn Long told BFBS Sport.
He continued: "But we've also lost a bit of experience through deployments and injury. However, the young girls that have come in to replace that have made me feel very, very positive, to be honest."
The last time the Navy played an Inter Services game in Havant was against the British Army last year, where Jade Berrow scored a terrific goal to help the Navy sail through with a 1-0 win.
CPO Long said: "The girls have had a few games there now, and obviously, a practice game last year, and then again this year as well as the Army game, so them little percentages all adds up.
"They [the team] are comfortable around that area, and yeah, I'm positive going into this RAF game."
Team captain Lieutenant Nat Bavister has been a part of the team's make-up for the best part of 15 years.
She said that it would be a "dream come true" if the Navy would go on to win the title for the first time this year.
She said: "I think I would be lost for words.
"I think everyone knows throughout military football how long I've been a part of this and how much I still want it. The passion is very much still there, the dedication is still very much there, and so is the want, you know?
"So, if we could win it for the first time and get our name on that Inter Services trophy, it would just be absolutely a dream come true.
"And we always hold out hope, like I said, it's kind of like two FA Cup finals. We've both got 11 players to start off with, anything can happen."
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