Wyke Girls U13s inspired by England's Euro 2022 success

The England team’s victory in Tuesday’s semi-final, thrashing Sweden 4-0, has earned them a historic spot in the European Championship final at Wembley on Sunday.

Their semi-final win at Sheffield’s Bramall Lane - which saw Alessia Russo potting England’s third with her audacious back-heel - was greeted with cheers, tears and choruses of “Football’s coming home”.

Girls’ football is one of the UK’s fastest growing sports and thanks to the Lionesses’ achievements this month, it’s getting even bigger.

Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl fails to stop England’s Lucy Bronze from scoring in Women’s Euro semi-final. PA

There has never been more interest in the women’s game, thanks to the huge television exposure of Euro 2022, and the Lionesses’ progress has been eagerly followed by youngsters in the Bradford district, where girls’ football is big.

For one group of girls in particular, it has been a thrilling month.

After being together since they were seven-years-old, Wyke Girls U13s have been glued to every match in the Euros and now have role models like Millie Bright and Beth Mead to emulate.

The Wyke Girls team have been glued to Euro 2022

Head Coach Tara Nolan says: “The girls have loved every minute of the Euros - especially after they appeared as mascots at the recent warm up match at Elland Road. England beat Holland 5-1 that day - and it’s really ignited their passion to follow the pathway to play for England one day.

Wyke Girls U13s were mascots at England’s warm-up match at Elland Road

“At younger ages we played either seven or nine-a-side, but now we’ve moved up to U13, the games are 11-a-side and the squad isn’t quite big enough for that leap.”

Adds Tara: “Since the Euros started, we’ve had a few enquiries to join the team, but we’d love more girls to get involved and join this exciting group of young ladies.”

Wyke have every reason to celebrate. Finishing third in the league last year and reaching the cup semi-final, they now have the area’s best facilities to play and train at.

Bradford Council’s £6 million Wyke Community Sports Village has just opened its doors and boasts 200 parking spaces, a cycle track, pavilion, an all-weather pitch and three grass pitches.

The £6 million Wyke Community Sports Village

“It sets us above all other clubs in the area. The girls are so excited.” says Tara.

Training is on Monday nights at Wyke’s new all-weather facility and the girls’ season starts in September, playing away games around Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield and Halifax.

* If you know a girl in Year 7 or 8 next term who is dreaming of becoming an England star of the future, or just wants to play football and meet new friends along the way, contact Tara Nolan on 07772 637944.