Ripon Grammar School’s U13 girls’ footballers national bid

The girls from Ripon Grammar School (RGS) are hoping to make history after a run of wins which has seen them progress unbeaten through five challenging rounds, against schools including Hurworth, Ovingham Middle and Spen Valley High.

Having beaten Wolverhampton Grammar School 3-2, at the semi-finals, they now face Reading-based Langtree School on June 9, when they’ll be playing to a home crowd.

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RGS PE teacher Iain Younger says the players have given themselves a real chance to make it to the final of the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) Small Schools Cup.

The winning team (Image: RGS)

Their journey began in February, when they beat Harrogate and Craven district rivals Boroughbridge High School 3-0.

Their latest match in the West Midlands resulted in a nail biting finish, with two goals from Lottie Day and one from Lyla Stott securing them victory: “There was also some brilliant defending and fantastic saves from goalie Scarlett Goodwin,” said Mr Younger.

Captain Lottie Day, 13, who plays with York City Football Club and has been inspired by former York, now Everton player Jess Park, said: “It has been a fantastic journey and all the victories have been amazing so far, especially since pretty much in every game we have come back from behind.

“I’d particularly like to mention Scarlett, who saved us in so many situations. In the semis she threw her body on the line, time and time again, and displayed so much bravery and courage. It was a tense 15 minutes at the end as we were holding on to a 3-2 win, but clinched the victory against a top team.”

Lottie, who scored two goals in the match, dreams of being selected for the England U17 squad and has been playing football for eight years, said: “After RGS I hope to play professional football in the US."

Centre back Beatrice Jarvis, 13, who has been playing for five years added: “I am excited going into the semi-finals, however very nervous as the further we go in the competition the more competitive it is. As a team, our ambition is to win this tournament.”

She plays for her local Boroughbridge Football Club, alongside enjoying athletics, hockey, netball and cricket: “I have loved being part of the team, playing with friends and being able to come off the pitch knowing what to improve on and what went well, as it helps us become better players."

Mr Younger said: “I believe this is the furthest our female footballers have ever reached in a national competition. It’s a testament to their hard work and dedication and a fantastic achievement.”

This new competition, launched by ESFA to help grow the girls’ game, is part of the Small Schools tournament, specifically designed for schools of a limited student quota.