Guernsey withdraws football teams from 2025 Island Games

GFA cites travel and accommodation challenges for decision

Guernsey has withdrawn its men's and women's national football teams from the 2025 Island Games.

The Island's football association says this is due to being 'unable to confirm suitable arrangements for travel and accommodation which meets players expectations.'

GFA has informed both players and the Guernsey Island Games Association of the decision.

Back in September, both the male and female squads had already been confirmed in the main draw for their respective competitions in Orkney next year.

GFA Chief Executive Gary Roberts also adds: "We appreciate that Orkney has very limited hotel accommodation and that the organising committee has been doing everything possible to increase capacity by setting up temporary accommodation in school buildings. 

"Unfortunately, the accommodation we have been allocated does not allow us to meet our responsibilities when travelling with two teams of mixed ages. As a minimum, we would need to take additional safeguarding chaperones which are not included within our competitor allocations,’ said Gary.

"The GFA Board discussed the situation earlier this week and agreed that player experience had to be the priority when considering our participation in the competition. 

They concluded that a combination of the type of accommodation being provided, the inability to meet the GFA’s safeguarding parameters for the trip, and the mixed ages of those likely to be included in both the men’s and women’s squads, has made Guernsey’s participation unviable."

The decision won't affect the Isle of Man men's squad for the games as they've already been confirmed in the main draw.

The Manx women's team were only drawn as third reserve in September making it highly unlikely at this time they will attend the games as further withdrawals may be required to see them earn a main draw place.