Mousehole Women Excluded from Cornwall County Cup After First-Round Bye

Mousehole AFC is extremely disappointed to confirm that Mousehole Women have been ruled ineligible for this season’s Cornwall Women’s County Cup, despite previously being told they could enter and having already been awarded a bye into the second round.

The Cornwall FA has now stated that teams not competing in a league this season cannot take part in the competition—which goes against what the club had been advised by the league. The club is slightly confused given that other teams, including St Buryan last season, had been permitted to enter the County Cup without being part of a league structure.

Club secretary Daniel Tasker said:
“We were assured we could enter the County Cup after withdrawing from the league, and we were even given a bye in the first round. To now be told we’re not eligible because we’re not in a league is extremely disappointing. The fact that teams have previously entered the cup without being in a league only adds to our confusion and frustration.

However, rules are rules, and we will move on positively. We’re excited for the months ahead—playing friendlies, rebuilding the squad, and welcoming an ex–MK Dons Women’s coach to the staff. Despite this setback, the future looks bright for the team.”

The club’s withdrawal from the Earthbound Electrical Cornwall Women’s League—following a player vote and board approval—came after more than ten departures in the close-season and the league’s refusal to allow Mousehole Women to drop down a division to remain competitive.

Mousehole AFC would like to extend sincere thanks to team sponsors SeaSwept Farm, whose unwavering support has been invaluable during this period of transition. SeaSwept Farm, a regenerative farm just half a mile from Interiora Trungle Parc, supports community wellbeing through its Wild Things initiative, championing nature-based activity, local sport, and cultural engagement.