High schools from across Preston came together on Friday for the Kinder + Sport EFL Girls Cup hosted by Preston North End.
The event, which saw 18 schools represented for the girls tournament was ran in conjunction with the EFL Trust, Preston North End and Preston City Council at PNE’s Community Training Centre, PlayFootball.
As well as the chance to compete against fellow girls teams, participants were also able to meet England Women’s U19s star Rosella Ayane who came down to meet the girls and witness the talent on show before taking time out to speak to PNE.com.
“It’s nice to see lots of young girls participating in football and enjoying themselves,” said Rosella, who is currently on loan at WSL 2 side Everton from Chelsea Ladies.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had that many selfies before! but it’s nice to see them all looking up to someone. When you’re a senior player, it’s nice to have little young fans and showing how much they appreciate you and and it’s what the senior girls love and it’s what we play for.”
The tournament was won by Broughton High School, who defeated Corpus Christi in the final to clinch the crown, but all participating teams could be classed as winners by playing their part in the growth of women’s football in Preston.
One of the team’s on show, Carr Hill High School who were coached by PE teacher Leigh Doughty commented on a ‘brilliant’ spectacle.
“This is the third year that we’ve competed in this tournament and the girls love it every single year; it’s a great competition," said Leight.
"The girls love being outside of the classroom for events like this and that’s what it’s all about.
“We’re lucky enough that Mel (Brown, Inclusion Manager at PNE) comes in on a Friday, giving the girls the opportunity to play competitively as well. It’s really good for team work and it gives the girls that competitive edge too.
“It’s a great way for them to spend their afternoon – girls football is on the rise and since I came in four years ago, the participation is on the rise so it’s brilliant and it’s thanks to Mel and Preston North End that we’ve been able to push it so much. We have a superb relationship with the football club.”
Aged between seven to 14-years-old and looking to get into football? Why not join our development centres? held every Wednesday specifically for girls.
To find out more, click here. Alternatively, contact Preston North End Community and Education Trust by calling 01772 693309 or email community@pne.com.
As well as the chance to compete against fellow girls teams, participants were also able to meet England Women’s U19s star Rosella Ayane who came down to meet the girls and witness the talent on show before taking time out to speak to PNE.com.
“It’s nice to see lots of young girls participating in football and enjoying themselves,” said Rosella, who is currently on loan at WSL 2 side Everton from Chelsea Ladies.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had that many selfies before! but it’s nice to see them all looking up to someone. When you’re a senior player, it’s nice to have little young fans and showing how much they appreciate you and and it’s what the senior girls love and it’s what we play for.”
The tournament was won by Broughton High School, who defeated Corpus Christi in the final to clinch the crown, but all participating teams could be classed as winners by playing their part in the growth of women’s football in Preston.
One of the team’s on show, Carr Hill High School who were coached by PE teacher Leigh Doughty commented on a ‘brilliant’ spectacle.
“This is the third year that we’ve competed in this tournament and the girls love it every single year; it’s a great competition," said Leight.
"The girls love being outside of the classroom for events like this and that’s what it’s all about.
“We’re lucky enough that Mel (Brown, Inclusion Manager at PNE) comes in on a Friday, giving the girls the opportunity to play competitively as well. It’s really good for team work and it gives the girls that competitive edge too.
“It’s a great way for them to spend their afternoon – girls football is on the rise and since I came in four years ago, the participation is on the rise so it’s brilliant and it’s thanks to Mel and Preston North End that we’ve been able to push it so much. We have a superb relationship with the football club.”
Aged between seven to 14-years-old and looking to get into football? Why not join our development centres? held every Wednesday specifically for girls.
To find out more, click here. Alternatively, contact Preston North End Community and Education Trust by calling 01772 693309 or email community@pne.com.