 Robin-Valana Pearman, a Bermuda Women’s Youth International Football player, was instrumental in assisting her Mount Kelly School teammates win the United Kingdom’s Independent Schools Football Association National Cup and the Chelsea Foundation Cup.
Playing from her center-forward position Pearman stuck the third and dagger goal to seal the ISFA Nations Cup win.
Pearman has represented Bermuda at the Under 15, Under 17, and Under 20 Women’s teams at multiple CONCACAF tournaments.
The team played the reigning title holder of the last two years, Rossall School, Fleetwood; a very tough and competitive match ending in a 3-0 score.
Sixty-four schools across the UK entered the 2024 competition, with four knockout rounds played to reach the Cup Final in Hertfordshire.
Thomas Wheeldon, Director of Girls’ Football at Mount Kelly said, “The girls played a challenging, but terrific final game. The tone was set when they scored a goal in the first ten minutes.
At half-time, the score was 1-0. In the second half, Mount Kelly scored again, but with 25 minutes remaining, anything could have happened. Finally, Pearman scored with 10 minutes to go. They are all thrilled to win and become National Champions 2024.”
Guy Ayling, Head Master said, “It was an amazing match. To win without a bench called for real courage and the girls did not disappoint. I couldn’t be more proud of the team and coaches for their hard work and determination.
“We are delighted with the standard of our football coaching and if keen players have proven club success and international ambitions, we could be the school for them.”
Bermuda was guaranteed to have an ISFA Champion as Pearman’s Under 17/Under 20 teammates Breanna Desilva Medeiros and Taya Rodrigues represented the Rossall School.
Pearman and her Mount Kelly teammates added another trophy to their growing collection after winning the Chelsea Foundation Cup at Kingsmeadow Stadium, the home of Chelsea FC Women.
The tournament comprised of schools that are Chelsea FC Foundation Programs partners. Pearman scored two goals and registered four assists during the tournament, including a deft defense-splitting pass to her strike partner Sariya Bailey who finished with the tournament-winning goal.
The team performed well throughout the competition, despite the hot sun, and made it to the final where they faced Blenheim High School, last year’s winners. It was a tough match, with the team coming from behind twice to win 3-2.
In association with the Chelsea FC Foundation, the Mount Kelly Girls’ Performance Football Programme gives talented players the opportunity to reach their full potential academically and athletically with outstanding coaching, support, expertise, and guidance. In addition to the Chelsea FC Foundation Academy for women’s football, Mount Kelly is known for its swimming, rugby, and cricket programs.
Dame Flora Duffy is a notable alumnus, and the school has recently recruited Bermuda students via Beach Education.
Pearman is a product of Bascome Futbol Leadership Academy and plays for Dandy Stars in the Women’s League.
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