Kids from two local schools took to the Spotland pitch at half time during Tuesday night’s match against Scunthorpe United to compete for the chance to represent Dale in the regional finals of the Football League Trust's U13 Girls Cup.
Youngsters from Hollingworth Academy and St Cutherbert’s High School went up against each other in the final of the local stage of the competition, with St Cuthbert’s overcoming a Hollingworth team which was missing several star players.
The 2-1 win for St Cuthbert’s means they’ll now go forward to face various other schools from across the North West of England in the regional finals at Barnsley FC next year.
The national final takes place at Wembley Stadium before kick-off at the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final.
Dale’s Head of Football in the Community, Keith Hicks, commented: “The under 13 Girls Cup is a fabulous competition with the rewards for reaching the final being a day out at Wembley, plus being able to play on the hallowed turf.
“Best wishes go to the girls from St Cuthbert’s and Jo Holt, team manager.”