Bermudian footballer Jahni Simmons scored an equaliser and the winning penalty to help Future Pro Women become ECFA Under-21 National Cup champions.

Simmons helped Future Pro to win the UK’s biggest under-21 women’s competition after an unforgettable final against South Gloucestershire and Stroud College at Accrington Stanley FC.

The match finished 1-1 in normal time after Simmons delivered a crucial moment of quality, scoring a late first-half equaliser to send the teams into the break level. After a tightly contested extra-time period, the title was ultimately decided on penalties, with Simmons holding her nerve to score the winning spot kick.

The triumph marks a significant milestone for the programme, following last season’s runner-up finish and a campaign that also saw the team narrowly miss out on the league title on goal difference.

Future Pro Founder and Academy Director Demir Vavan praised both the team’s resilience and Simmons’ continued development at the highest level of under-21 football.

“This is the biggest stage at this level in the UK and to come out as champions against 112 teams and a programme like SGS shows exactly the level this group has reached,” Vavan said.

“Jahni has been a credit to herself throughout. Her progress over the last 18 months with both Future Pro and the Bermuda National Team has been fantastic to see.”

“She scored in the final last year as well and this season she has taken another step forward. Most importantly, she continues to represent Bermuda with real pride, professionalism, and consistency. We are extremely proud of her.”

Vavan also highlighted Simmons’ growing pathway opportunities and the continued expansion of the Future Pro programme.

“She has already been on trial with Halifax FC this season and has exciting opportunities ahead as part of her scholarship pathway. We also have a number of showcases coming up and we will be adding additional players to the programme as we continue strengthening the squad and building towards further progression.

“The standard is rising every season and this environment is designed to challenge and develop players to step into the next level of the game going into full-time football.

“We would genuinely welcome more Bermudian players to follow in Jahni’s footsteps. There is real opportunity here for talented, committed players who want to develop in a high-performance environment.

“The victory reflects not only individual excellence but also the collective growth of the Future Pro Women’s programme, which continues to evolve across both its men’s and women’s pathways with a clear focus on development, exposure, and elite performance.

“With multiple showcases ahead and new additions expected to join the programme, Future Pro continues to build momentum as one of the most progressive development environments in UK U21 football.”