"Pre-season has given us the right preparation" - Mace looks ahead to Women's Under-19s season opener

Women’s Under-19’s Ruby Mace spoke of her excitement to get the season underway on Wednesday as we travel to Luton Town in the FA Women’s National League (FAWNL) Cup.

Following a successful pre-season, competing against three senior opposition including a 4-1 win over Billericay Town, our youngsters begin the 2025/26 campaign against the Hatters in the group phase of the competition, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

Drawn into Group E in the FAWNL, our Under-19s, who are one of 16 Professional Game Academy (PGA) sides in the cup, will also face Oxford United and MK Dons over the next few weeks – full details confirmed here.

Ruby, who has been at the Club since the age of 14, hopes the positive momentum during pre-season against senior sides can help the side compete in this competition, starting on Wednesday evening.

Speaking to SPURSPLAY, she said: "It’s a lot different to the league in the sense that there are more fans and a different kind of buzz around those games.

“It’s important that we go into them with the intention to win. With the group of girls we have, silverware can be achievable if we stay disciplined and keep that cohesion within the dressing room. I think pre-season has given us the right preparation to be ready for it.

“When you play against Women’s sides, you face that extra experience, which makes you more disciplined, both in and out of possession. You have to stay focused from the first minute, controlling your emotions is key as well, and that’s something really important for all of us going into the league."

Reflecting on pre-season overall for the Under-19s, the young midfielder added: “Playing against senior opposition is obviously important going into the season.

“Everyone’s been really disciplined and holding each other accountable, which has made it a really positive experience. Having three out of four games against Women’s sides has been important, especially with the cup games we’ve got coming up.”

Competing in her second year in the PGA, Sabiha Jamal named Ruby as co-captain for the Under-19s this term alongside Mia Endacott during pre-season – and it was a special moment for the youngster to be given that leadership.

"It’s a huge honour,” she said. “I’m very grateful to all the coaches and players for believing in me and trusting me to do the best I can. Mia as well, she’s great. We’ve got a really good relationship on and off the pitch, working together and making sure the team comes first has been a big focus for us.

“I feel like I’ve got the full support I need, so I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a learning journey for me, stepping into that leadership role. It’s something I’ve always wanted, and I’m grateful to be given the opportunity.”

Speaking to Mia, who joined us from Plymouth Argyle last summer, about being handed the captaincy, she reflected: "It’s pleasure to be named co-captain alongside Ruby and have the opportunity to lead this fantastic team, to hopefully a positive campaign ahead.

"We have a great experience on Wednesday for our first competitive game, competing against senior opposition, it gives us a completely different type of game and helps us develop as a team but also as individuals. So, it will be good to get started on Wednesday and I’m looking forward to the season ahead."