Magic Mabli nets 100 goals in a season in boys football – just ton-tastic!

Meet an 11-year-old girl who has passed the 100 goals mark for the season.

That would be a mighty achievement just within the girls’ game, but Mabli Blackshaw has reached her magnificent landmark in boys football!

The young star plays for Holyhead Hotspur boys under-11’s and has done so since the under-sevens.

She is currently also with the FAW North Regionals Under-14 squad on a training contract.

Mabli is a prime example of the excellence of girls still plying their trade in the boys’ system, which at times goes under the radar.

One of the youngster’s main coaches is one of Holyhead Hotspur’s greatest-ever players – former Tranmere Rovers scholar and Wales Under-19 international midfielder Jay Gibbs. Another long-standing influence is coach Liam Jones.

Grassroots North Wales spoke to Mabli’s dad Gareth Blackshaw and the man himself Jay Gibbs.

At what age did Mabli first show an interest in football?

Gareth: Football was always around her as we all as a family love the game, but she really took an interest when her big sister Cadi started to play for the Holyhead Hotspur Peibio girls and Mabli followed her into the system around five-years-old. Then she was glued to watching matches and video clips of Johan Cryuff (one of her heroes).

Were there very early signs of ability?

Gareth: You could see she had good balance and control at that age but her pace set her apart. Even as a toddler she would never walk, only run. Her development has become rapid under Liam Jones at Hotspur with Liam coaching Mabli since she was seven-years-old and has become a massive influence on her game.

Which teams has she played for to date?

Gareth: Holyhead Hotspur Peibio Youth girls, Holyhead Hotspur boys U7-U11 and also currently FAW North Regional U12-U14 girls. Also represented Ynys Mon (boys) schools U10s.

How have the 100 goals come about?

Gareth: She’s become more and more ruthless in front of goal as time goes on, but is very aware that the supply she gets from her team-mates is unbelievable. She won’t even celebrate each goal much and if you ask what is her favourite goal she’ll say the next one !

How many appearances has she made to reach the 100 goals?

Gareth: Goals came in 62 matches (including short round-robin matches). She argues that the figure is much higher than 100 but we tell her not to include school comps/matches or the goals for the girls.

Most in a single game?

Gareth: 6 goals in one game is her most but she has scored 10 for the FAW Regionals in one match.

How proud are you of her, as her dad?

Gareth: We are all extremely proud of her as a family. She is very modest and matter of fact in what she does which only adds to her character and is also doing very well academically.

Do you have any other children who play football?

Gareth: Mabli’s eldest sister (who she really looks up to) plays for Cemaes Bay girls under-14’s and is doing very well. They are punching above their weight in the girls league against more established teams
Mabli’s younger brother Iolo also plays for Holyhead Hotspur U8’s under Mel McGinness and cannot leave a ball alone for a second ! He shows similar attributes to Mabli in being very quick and agile.

What’s next for Mabli?

Gareth: We are keeping options open at the moment as a few opportunities may occur over the summer, however she still loves playing grassroots with the boys at Hotspur, who are developing into a top side under Liam and Jay.

What would you like her to achieve and what do you see her achieving?

Gareth: We’d obviously like her to continue her current pathway in the game, especially on a national level, however we realise how tough that will be with the standard of girls football developing at such a rate and how much work it entails, not to mention the the geographical disadvantages to a player from the island but we’re looking forward to the challenge.

JAY GIBBS

Tell us about your involvement with Mabli

Jay: I’ve coached Mabli now for two years.
To be honest when I saw her first play it shocked me how good she was technically and her pace is frightening. Now in training nobody likes going up against her.

Do you think girls like Mabli, who stand out in boys’ football, get enough recognition?

Jay: I don’t think Mabli does get enough recognition because when people ask me about her I tell them to forget about her gender, she’s right up there on the island as one of the best – boy or girl!

What stands out about her?

Jay: Her attitude is what stands out the most; she’s well driven and always wants to win but she never crosses the line. Mabli has a bright future and can achieve whatever she wants

What are your hopes for Mabli?

Jay: I hope she continues to work hard and hopefully gets picked up by a professional women’s side as there’s no doubt her potential and ability deserves the opportunity

NOTE

Today Mabli scored 25 goals for her school in a girls’ game and won the Alun Mummery Shield for her achievement – what a great name to carry such an honour.