Guernsey Football Association Withdraws from 2025 Island Games

The Guernsey Football Association has officially withdrawn its men’s and women’s teams from the upcoming 2025 Island Games in Orkney, citing difficulties related to travel and accommodation arrangements.

GFA Chief Executive Gary Roberts stated that despite the efforts put forth by both the GFA and the Guernsey Island Games Association, suitable arrangements could not be secured to meet both player expectations and necessary safeguarding requirements.

Roberts emphasised that the teams would include under-18 players alongside adults, raising significant safeguarding concerns.

“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,” he noted.

The accommodation allocated to the GFA does not fulfil the obligations required for a mixed-age group travelling together.

The GFA Board emphasisied the need to prioritise player experience when evaluating participation in the Island Games.

“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,” Roberts explained.

The organisation acknowledges the disappointment this decision will cause among players but confirms that they will actively seek alternative opportunities for competitive play away from the island throughout 2025.

The GFA has communicated its decision to the Guernsey Island Games Association and has also notified the players involved.