Our Girls are Manchester United Champions

In amongst our Year 11s, we have two rising talents in football. Saffron Jordan and Hannah Mitchell are making names for themselves and currently playing with Manchester United Foundations’ Under 16s girls’ team.  

Saffron began playing football at a very early age and started her career with Barr Hill boys squad.“I always used to play football with my dad in the front garden. Instead of getting into trouble I just always played football!” says Saffron. 

When Saffron was about 8 years old, Saffron played in a tournament at The Cliff, which is Manchester United’s training ground.  It was at this tournament that the Foundation’s coaches spotted Saffron and approached her dad to ask if she liked to come to a training session.   

When coaches discovered her potential Saffron was picked to join the squad as Striker.  It was Saffron who encouraged Hannah to go try for a place on the Manchester United girls’ team.

“I played for Bury Girls football team and we had a match against Manchester United Under 14s. Saffron was playing for them and she recommended that I go for a trial, so I went along and was spotted” says Hannah. Hannah took up a position as Right Back when she was in Year 7. 

The girls have recently enjoyed an amazing season with their team which culminated in winning the National and UK Finals for the Tesco Cup 2009. This was a national competition to find the best team in the UK and Saffron and Hannah played and beat teams such as West Ham, West Brom and Tranmere, to win the chance to represent England.   

They were pitched against Scotland’s winner (and previous Tesco Cup champion) Hibernian in the final and claimed the victory 1-0 at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton! 

“Representing Manchester United and the Foundation in the Tesco Cup was possibly the best thing that’s ever happened to me and our team, because it gave us a chance that not many other young women footballers would have – playing against other talented teams at professional stadiums like the Walker stadium and the Reebok,” says Saffron. 

On top of that, Saffron was named Player of the Tournament by England Women’s Goalkeeper, Rachel Brown, and presenter and ex-player, Andy Townsend. “I was so happy to be named 'Player of the Tournament'. It was the biggest highlight of my career up to now, because it was out of a lot of talented footballers and I was chosen.  Plus I was picked by Rachel Brown and Andy Townsend, who are experienced international players. Being 'Player of the Tournament' meant the world to me.  I trained hard for the competition and to be awarded for my hard work made it all worth it.” says Saffron. 

In October 2009, Saffron was joined 7 other girls from the Foundation to be put forward for the FA Regional Talent camp at Edge Hill University where England scouts were in attendance ready to spot those with real potential at an international level.  Saffron will find out if she’s made the England Women’s squad later on this year.  

The girls train every Monday and Wednesday and managed to fit in training round schoolwork with “Mum and Dad’s taxi service”! But their parents don’t seem to mind as they’re extremely proud of their girls’ achievements.  

Considering the girls’ tremendous achievements and all that they’ve experienced, Saffron’s personal highlight is when she played a tournament at Bridgewater soccer school and had the opportunity to tackle David Beckham who gave her a pat on the back for her efforts – Saffron was just 7! 

Mr Jordan, Saffron’s proud dad, says “Playing football has helped build Saffron’s character and it’s been really good for her. My favourite moments were when Saffron used to play for Barr Hill boys and the other parents would say ‘there’s a girl in the team’ in a derisive manner but then Saffron would steal the ball and do her magic and then they’d all be screaming ‘get the girl, get the girl’! I’m really, really proud of her.” 

Jon Davies, PE Teacher, says “The girls have played for both the school team and Manchester Utd for a few years now and have proven to be key players in helping us to win the Salford League on a number of occasions.  Hannah is a great wide player making runs up and down the line and cutting inside to make problems for defenders and creating passes.  Saffron is a great striker with an amazing shot and eye for goal.” 

“Both have done exceptionally well to be playing for such a high profile club and with the prospect of England trials coming up, I have no doubt that these girls could be representing the country one day in ladies football. The PE dept would like to say well done for their achievements and good luck towards their future success in their sport.”