Guernsey triplets make history with York City Academy placement
- Triplets Emilie, Hollie and Millie Jeffreys become first Guernsey players to join York City FC's Player Development Programme
- The sixteen-year-olds will relocate to York in July to study BTEC Sport and train with York City's female pathway teams
- Sisters began with Guernsey FA's Wildcats programme in Year 3 and progressed through the Mourant Academy
- Placement marks first outcome of year-long partnership between Guernsey FA and York City FC
- Sisters made senior representative debut for Guernsey in Cherry Godfrey Cup this weekend before moving
Three footballers have become the first island players to secure places at York City FC's Player Development Programme, marking a major milestone for the female game in Guernsey.
Sixteen-year-old triplets Emilie, Hollie and Millie Jeffreys will relocate to York in July ahead of the programme officially beginning on 3 August. Alongside studying a BTEC Sport qualification at York College, the sisters will train and compete within York City's female pathway, with opportunities to feature for the Under-18s, Development Squad and Women's First Team.
The sisters will made their senior representative debut for Guernsey this weekend in the Cherry Godfrey Cup before beginning the next chapter of their football journey.
Beginning their football journey with Guernsey FA's Wildcats programme in Year 3, the triplets progressed into the Mourant Academy in Year 5 and have continued to develop under the guidance of coaches including Joelle Priaulx and Scarlett Kenneally. Since the turn of the year, they have also been training with the Senior Ladies squad. Alongside this they also played for Vale Rec for five years and then St Martin's AC for three years.
Their success represents the first tangible outcome of a developing relationship between the Guernsey FA and York City FC, which has been built over the past year to create new opportunities for talented Guernsey players to pursue football and education opportunities in the UK.
Adam Crowle, Head of Operations at York City Academy, said: "Through the course of the last 12 months as a club, we've been developing our relationship with the Guernsey FA and really looking at how we can impact the growth of both organisations and ultimately develop footballers, both male and female."
He added: "Through our already established education pathways at York College, we are able to offer footballing opportunities for players from Guernsey when they leave secondary school and head into further education. Making sure both football and educational potential is met has been at the heart of every conversation with the family."
"Being part of our female pathway is an exciting opportunity for both the girls and the club as we launch our new Player Development Programme alongside greater oversight of our women's first and development teams. I'm very much looking forward to seeing their growth as they join us for pre-season," he said.
Gary Roberts, CEO at the Guernsey FA, said: "Seeing Emilie, Hollie and Millie become the first Guernsey players to join York City's Academy is a proud moment for everyone involved in developing girls' football on the island. Their success reflects years of hard work from the players themselves, their family, their coaches and the volunteers who have helped build our player pathway."
"Just as importantly, it demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships. Our relationship with York City has created a genuine opportunity for talented young players to continue both their education and football development beyond Guernsey, and we hope this is just the first of many island players who will benefit from this pathway in the years ahead," he added.
Parents Rosie and Mark Jeffreys said: "We are incredibly proud of the girls and everything they have achieved so far. Their dedication, commitment and hard work have been outstanding."
"They have benefited from fantastic coaching and support through the GFA, Vale Rec, Ilha Futebol Academy, St Martins and Zicos Football Coaching. Fit with Fazakerley and Storm Force Fitness have been great in their Strength and Conditioning work needed. So far, their journey has given them some unforgettable memories and fantastic experiences. The dual York PDP and Education Programme is an amazing opportunity for the girls, and we are very excited to see what the future holds for each of them," they said.
Millie said: "I can't wait to start a new chapter of my life; I'm really looking forward to taking on a new challenge and continuing to pursue my footballing dreams!"
Hollie said: "I am really excited to go to York and feel that it will be a massive step in helping towards achieving my long-held dream of becoming a professional footballer. I look forward to working really hard both on and off the pitch."
Emilie said: "Going to York will be a huge step in my football journey, helping me develop both on and off the pitch. I believe what York are building is exactly what I want to be part of, and I am excited to get started and can't wait for the upcoming season."
Q&A
Q: When will the triplets begin their programme at York City?
A: The sisters will relocate to York in July, with the Player Development Programme officially beginning on 3 August 2026.
Q: What will the sisters study alongside their football training?
A: They will study a BTEC Sport qualification at York College while training and competing within York City's female pathway.
Q: How long have the Guernsey FA and York City FC been developing their partnership?
A: The relationship has been built over the past year to create new opportunities for talented Guernsey players to pursue football and education opportunities in the UK.
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