U12 Girls Crowned Lancashire Cup Champions

Our U12 Girls football team have been crowned Lancashire Cup champions following an outstanding finals day at AFC Darwen.

The girls represented the school with pride throughout the competition, showing determination, teamwork and resilience against strong opposition. Each match on finals day was closely contested, with the team rising to the challenge and delivering when it mattered most.

A huge congratulations goes to Mia, Robyn, Genevieve, Heidi, Annabelle, Violet, Clara, Darcie, Freya, Lottie and Khloe. Every player played a vital role in the success, demonstrating excellent attitude, effort and sportsmanship both on and off the pitch.

Mr Greenwood, who manages the team, reflected on the achievement:

“The U12's Girls played at AFC Darwen last night in the Lancashire Cup finals day. The girls had an excellent tournament leading up to the finals, scoring 18 goals and conceding 0 in the 3 previous rounds.

We went into finals day against Darwen Vale, Lathom and Ribblesdale. The level was incredibly high and every game was extremely close all evening.

In game 1, we went 1-0 down but battled incredibly well in the second half. We scored the leveller with incredible work rate and pressing from Clara, pressing the keeper and creating an opportunity for herself out of nothing. We were unlucky to not score another - with Annabelle, Freya and Darcie coming closest.

In game 2, the girls knew a win was incredibly important to keep the hopes alive. In a really close game, Lottie's wonderful finish was the difference after an incredible pass from Violet. We then kept the clean sheet with some tremendous goalkeeping from Mia and sensational defending from Robyn, Genevieve and Heidi.

We entered game 3 knowing that a win would guarantee us the title, and a draw could be enough depending on other results. We were caught out by a brilliant kick off routine and went 1-0 within 30 seconds. The girls didn't give up at any point and worked tirelessly - defending, attacking and pushing to score. Darcie came close with a couple of unbelievable efforts and brilliant keeping to deny her. The second half started and after a tense few minutes, Violet wriggled free and played an excellent through ball for Darcie who finished expertly. We entered the last 5 minutes of the game knowing that a draw would see us as champions. Lottie shifted into defence and battled excellently on a couple of occasions and we managed to see the game through. After a nervous wait and doubting if the maths was right, we were crowned champions!

A special shoutout for all the girls: Mia, Robyn, Genevieve, Heidi, Annabelle, Violet, Clara, Darcie, Freya, Lottie and Khloe. Every single girl played their part to win the trophy and represented the school impeccably on both the pitch but also in every away day, every team talk and every time we have interacted with any other team!”

This is a fantastic achievement for the team and a proud moment for the school. Well done to all players and staff involved 💙