A Carshalton secondary school’s under-15s girls football team has emerged victorious after winning in a prestigious cup final.
Stanley Park High School, in Damson Way, defeated Bottisham Village College from Cambridge 4-1 at Reading Football Club’s Madejski Stadium on May 21.
They were crowned the winners of the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) Under-15 Girls Schools’ Cup following the convincing win.
Rebecca Carter, Stanley Park High School’s girls football team manager, said: “We have come very close to the final in the last three years, so we knew this was our year to win it.
“The girls have worked so hard and deserved to be champions. I’m very, very proud to have been their manager and to have been on this on this journey with them.
“Credit must go to Bottisham who worked incredibly hard for 80 minutes and, as worthy finalists, made it very difficult for us.”
Stanley Park High School became one of two teams – out of 256 schools – when they reached the final after getting through eight rounds.
They warmed up in Reading’s £1 million indoor training complex before they competed in the match on the Madejski Stadium’s pitch.
It formed part of the PlayStation Cup Finals Festival, which ran from May 21 to 23.
Ms Carter added: “The game was tight at the start and it took a little time before the girls took hold of the game.
“We were solid all over the pitch, especially in the second half. Our defence played especially well, denying Bottisham strikers time on the ball.
“Two goals each from Evie and Halley, gave us a very good win.”
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