JERSEY have made phenomenal progress in two years since entering football’s South West Counties Championship.

That’s the opinion of Jersey Football Association president Charlie Tostevin who says the Island team must stay in the Championship to continue to improve and give up-and-coming youngsters a goal to aim for in the sport.Tostevin said: ‘I’m really pleased with the progress the Island side has made in the last two seasons.

I can still see our opening game when we lost 3-0 at home to Cornwall last season when all the goals we conceded came from headers.’We were naive that day but now we’ve all come a long way and the team is playing with style and commitment.

The youngsters have come in, they’ve acquitted themselves well and their progress has been phenomenal.’Two weeks ago they were absolutely superb against Sussex but unfortunately they drew.

On Saturday Jersey didn’t play as well against the RAF but they took their chances and deserved to win although 3-1 was a bit flattering.’Tostevin admits the Championship is costly with Jersey having to foot the bill for home and away matches but he is optimistic.’We have to stay in the competition, it is expensive and we will continue look for a sponsor and raise funds to remain in it.

Dave Matthews and his management team and the players all want the competition.

Previously the season was all about one game, the Muratti, but that is no longer the case any more.’The players are wearing the Jersey shirt with pride as well and that’s great to see.

A few prima donnas wanted to be selected for the sake of it but they were not prepared to work at it.

The youngsters were given a chance and they’ve taken it.

Our last two games have proved that we can get results and hopefully doing that will attract sponsors and people to come out and support the team.’With a win and two draws in their home matches this season Jersey are likely to finish fourth in the six-team group.Manager Matthews and assistant Tim Houghton have used 28 players in the SWCC campaign this season, many now hoping they will be included for the Muratti semi-final away to Alderney on Saturday 6 March.