Copley's own Lionesses bring home the World Cup

Students from Copley Academy are celebrating after returning victorious from a Girls World Cup football tournament.

Where the Lionesses failed in France, Copley’s girls went one better, beating the ‘USA’ in the final. 

Held at The Cliff training ground as part of Copley’s partnership with the Manchester United Foundation, the girls were drawn as England for the themed tournament.

Representing their country came with high expectations but the girls stepped up to represent Copley fantastically.

Assistant Principal Jo Tidbury said: “I am thoroughly proud of the girls’ achievement; the World Cup certainly came home to Copley. 

“But I am also delighted at how well they acquitted themselves and of their conduct during their games.”

The girls played a total of nine matches, showing great tenacity, teamwork and the ability to stay calm under pressure. 

Finishing top of the pool with an unbeaten record, the team had already exceeded expectations at their first tournament. 

In a tense and passionate semi-final, the girls initially went behind but their response was to work even harder, stay positive, help each other and score two late goals to go through to the final, with the same qualities taking the team to victory.

Special mentions go to Emily Higgins, who scored one of the goals of the tournament with a perfectly executed volley, and captain Eleanor Ashton who led by example throughout the day and scored the winner via a mazy run and a calm finish, sealing the win and the World Cup for England! 

• The girls involved (pictured above with the cup) were: Eleanor Ashton, Casey Lomas, Elle Cranston, Nicole Leah, Holly Milligan, Eva Lythgoe, Chantelle Kilbride, Holly Heuton and Emily Higgins.