A group of young girls in Oldham have made their school proud and appear to be following in the Lionesses' footsteps after winning a school league cup and inspiring others to take up the sport.

Teams of nine to 11-year-old girls participated in this year's Oldham Primary Schools League following a huge drive at Whitegate End Primary to get more girls involved in competitive sport.

Year 5 and Year 6 girls went head to head in several matches throughout the league, and Whitegate fought off tough competition from Yew Tree School in the semi-final on Monday (July 8), winning on penalties, before bagging the trophy in the final in a 3-1 win against Higher Failsworth on Thursday (July 11).

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The tournament was a huge successThe tournament was a huge success (Image: Whitegate End)

Whitegate End headteacher, Rob Hollingsworth, said: "I am so proud of the way our girls have come together.

"Around 100 children, families and staff were there to support them on Thursday night and they showed the determination we aim to instill in every child who comes through our doors. 

"We've had comments from parents commenting on how nurturing the girls are with each other and the only shame is that some of them will be leaving for high school at the end of the week.

"They've certainly left a legacy and are an inspiration to the younger children at school. 

Whitegate End Primary girls have made their school proudWhitegate End Primary girls have made their school proud (Image: Whitegate End)

"We work closely with Oldham Athletic Community Trust, representing them at a Greater Manchester competition last year.

"That experience and of course the success of the Lionesses over the past few years has led to a real buzz around girls football - we now have Lionesses in the making!"

Mr Hollingsworth also extended his thanks to "our brilliant staff team", including sports coach, Harry Royds, as well as HLTA and Rob Faulkner "for their continued championing of sport in school".

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