Youth League match of the week: FC Rangers Vixen Ice v Wyre Junior Whites

And they showed what progress they have made when they faced each other in The Gazette's featured match at Boundary Park on Saturday, now playing in the Under-11s competition.

That means a step-up to nine-a-side, though Vixen Ice are an Under-12 squad playing down a year as an all-girls team.

Their manager Karl Bambrook said: “It was a really good, end-to-end game. Both teams played well and their keeper made some amazing saves.

“The girls have progressed massively and just keep on improving. They are really enjoying it.”

Whites team boss Hayley Carr-Menton told The Gazette: “The team played great and we are really starting to find our feet.

“The move up to nine-a-side was a struggle at first but they are really gelling and coming together.”

The Whites are in only their second season and have been managed from the start by Hayley, and coached by her husband Ashley.

She added: “We are really enjoying it and hope to stay with this team throughout their grassroots journey.”

Vixen Ice are in their third season and manager Karl has also been involved from the start. He added: “We had a lot of interest from girls wanting to start a team and we began to get together in 2021.

“We were in at the deep end at first but have been getting better every week and I'm really pleased with the progress.”

Player of the match honours were shared between four Vixen Ice players as Sophia and Jasmine took the coaches' awards, while the parents' choices were Tllly and Kleo.

The outstanding player for the Whites was Logan, who fought well throughout.