Tottenham Hotspur Under-16s head into PGA Plate Final with belief and character

Spurs’ under-16s head to the PGA Plate Final with momentum after a semi-final performance that reflected the qualities this group have developed throughout the season: resilience, togetherness and composure in key moments. After a goalless first half at Hotspur Way, Spurs seized control early in the second period before Nolwen’s late volley sealed the victory, a moment that captured the calm and conviction that have become hallmarks of the side.

For coach Stella Calderhead, the common thread behind that progress is straightforward: character. When asked what has impressed her most about the squad during their run to the final, she pointed immediately to the mentality running through the group. She said: “Their character. Throughout those games (earlier in the tournament), we weren’t really dominating most games, in terms of possession, but I think the character to always come back or challenge each other in terms of trying to then push forward, trying to go and score a goal, try to win penalty shootouts.

“The character throughout every single match was very positive. So that then led us to go and win. And that comes from goalkeepers all the way through to strikers.”

That mentality was clear in the semi-final victory over Newcastle United. Spurs combined tactical discipline with intensity out of possession, pressing aggressively and taking their moments in transition.

Reflecting on the performance, Stella highlighted the players’ engagement and willingness to push forward together. She said: “(I was impressed with) The attitude, knowing that this will be a very physical and challenging game. But I believe tactically in terms of how we play as Spurs, they showed more desire when pressing as a unit and reacting quickly during transition moments.

“I think the goals come from us being very ruthless in the final third and pushing towards the second goal as well, which comes from a transition moment where everyone wants and has that same goal of, we want to score here, we want to punish and get the second goal.”

While reaching the final is a major achievement, the coaching staff remain focused on development as much as silverware. For players at under-16 level, these occasions are valuable opportunities to test temperament and confidence in high-pressure moments.

Stella emphasised that balance when discussing what she wants the players to take from the final. She explained: “To not be afraid. It is always the performance that we look forward to. So, no matter what game it is, the result is usually a secondary thing. But I think in competition moments or in cup games, you can’t hide the fact that you’ve got to have a willing mentality. So I think the trade-off is that they know that this is happening, that they know it themselves, and we make it clear throughout the week, but then on matchday, the main focus we have is how can we perform as Spurs, how can we perform as players, like individually just being the best players on the pitch. We back ourselves that if we’re the best players on the pitch, we’re going to win.”

Individual development has been another important part of the journey. Nolwen, typically known for her creativity, produced a decisive moment in the semi-final, something Stella believes reflects the work players are putting in behind the scenes.

On individuals stepping up in important moments, she said: “It’s very important. I think it just shows how hard the players work. So, for example, with Nolwen, she’s probably more of a goal creator than she is a goal scorer, and that’s not a bad thing at all, because she’s probably trying to slide in players more.

“But I think throughout the whole team, the mentality was we want to go and score, and I think it’s very important to see those characters come through and I think you can see it in training when there are loads of magic moments. But it’s even better to see that in a game.”

For Nolwen herself, the moment was one she will remember. She reflected: “Obviously, it was a great moment. I think it was quite a crucial goal to score, as it obviously secured a win. It was a great cross from AJ and it was a great feeling to score.”

The midfielder has enjoyed her first full season at under-16 level. She spoke about adapting to the increased demands and opportunities that come with the step up: “I’ve found it really enjoyable. Obviously, there’s a big change in terms of the training schedule and the kind of pressure level you’re playing at, but it’s been really enjoyable and there’s been many great moments.”

Nolwen’s role within the team reflects her natural instincts as a creative player: “I really enjoy getting on the ball, creating opportunities and being a bit more of a playmaker and I really enjoy having the ball on my feet,” she said.

Preparation for the final will remain largely unchanged. Rather than altering routines, Stella and the coaching staff will focus on refining the small tactical details that allow Spurs to control games and make transitions count. Stella explained: “I think we don’t really change much about our schedule, our needs. So, we have our obviously tactical cycle, but I think mentally it’s more about preparation and can we make sure that we’re technically sound.

“At the moment, we probably look at how we can we gain more control of a game. It might be very transitional, but out of a transitional game, how can we take control and then use transitions in our favour to then go and punish? How can we go really direct, but how can we stop a goal? How can we stop them from attacking as well?”

For the players, the final represents another step in their development as much as an opportunity to lift a trophy. And for Nolwen, the excitement of the occasion is clear: “I can’t wait to play in the match, and yeah, just be successful, really.”