Schoolgirl 'thought she was dreaming' as save secured team's victory

A dream came true for a team of young footballers who stormed to victory at one of the world's most famous stadiums.

Representing Tranmere Rovers, Wirral Grammar School for girls under 13's football team played at Wembley stadium in the EFL Utilita Girls Cup. Over 700 teams across the country were involved in the competition with about 7,000 girls taking part who are linked to the region's 72 EFL clubs.

After seeing off 15 teams and conceding only one goal, Tranmere girls made it to the final at Wembley. They faced Thorpe St Andrew School who were representing Norwich City and won after a dramatic penalty shootout.

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The decisive save was made by goalkeeper Ella Wright, who said: "I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen (going into the last penalty I saved). I didn’t have any predictions at all, I just thought I might as well go as hard as I can to the right and it paid off.

“I’m still processing the fact that we’ve won. It still feels surreal.

Ella continued: "It’s been amazing to play at Wembley, because there’s so many footballers who don't get to play here. So to play here at such a young age it’s been so overwhelming in such a good way."

Finalist Thorpe St Andrew School beat Monmouth Comprehensive School, representing Newport County, 2-1 in the southern final to secure their place at Wembley. Wirral Grammar School for Girls overcame Sunderland 1-0 in the Northern Final and joined them at Wembley on April 7 where they sealed victory on penalties 7 - 6, after a goalless draw.

EFL Ambassador and former England international Izzy Christiansen said: "Scoring at Wembley, winning the FA Cup and lifting (the trophy) in the Royal Box, in the exact spot where the girls from Tranmere Rovers just did, that was the best feeling I ever had as a player. To see some of the girls get that experience, especially at such a young age, playing on the Wembley turf, is really special.

"We’ve seen that playing at Wembley is just such an incredible experience for both teams involved, and for everyone else participating. It’s a really special experience. Hopefully everybody had a great day".

Izzy advised the players to stay calm and not to change anything they normally do. She said: "Make sure you give yourself the chance to enjoy it and take it all in".

Playing in the midfield for Tranmere Rovers, Amelia Owens said: "The first seven minutes in the first half went by really quickly, it felt like only two minutes. Then when the whistle blew for full time, I was in shock, as we really didn’t want to have it go to penalties.

"I’m not really the best at scoring penalties at times, so when I scored, I actually thought we’d won, but then I had to remember we had a long way to go. Every time we scored the penalty, I was filled with so much joy.

"When Ella saved that last penalty, everyone just burst into tears and started screaming; we’re so happy. I thought I was dreaming. For it to be at Wembley, it just means everything”.

Amelia said: "Our school never used to do football at Year seven and it never used to be played at that level in the past. So to have an incredible opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and actually win it, it’s been like a dream really.

“I’ve always wanted to meet footballers before. To meet Izzy (Christiansen), it just filled me with happiness".

Ella continued: "I’m just so happy with everything that has happened. I’d definitely recommend other girls and other schools get involved in this competition. I had no idea what would happen when I first started my football journey.

“I never thought I’d ever get to Wembley, but I tried my hardest and I got here. I’d never met Izzy Christiansen before, but she was really helpful with the advice she gave me".

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