A team of nine students from year 8 and year 9 took part in the She Inspires Challenge Cup 2024 at Liverpool County FA on Friday 8 March. Footage from the competition, including a clip of Ridgeway students in action, was used on ITV local news later the same day.
The tournament, which took place on International Women’s Day, involved girls from nineteen schools across Merseyside. Ridgeway played matches against St Cuthbert’s, Hope Academy and Maricourt. Despite winning two of their five matches and losing only one, they narrowly missed out on a semi-final place.
Miss Mansfield said:
“The students were fantastic today. It was great to see how well they worked together. They were extremely unlucky to miss out on a semi-final place, but the quality of their performances is sure to fill them with lots of confidence.
“I have nominated Ruby as my Player of the Tournament for her consistency in leadership and skills on the pitch. She scored some excellent goals and really demonstrated positive Ridgeway values throughout the day. Well done, Ruby!
“But it was a great squad effort above all. Well done to: Layla, Sophie, Autumn, Amber, Macie-Leigh, Halle, Ava, Miley-Grace and Ruby.
“They love playing football and it is fantastic to see them embracing every opportunity open to them.
“Most of the students are also taking part in a series of workshops with Everton in the Community and they are working really well with the expert coaches.
“The sessions are designed to develop their football knowledge and skills, as well as equipping them with skills to help them in life, including leadership, mentoring, coaching, peer support and teamwork.”
Click here for the clip of Ridgeway students that was used in an ITV News report.
The tournament and the workshops are both part of the She Inspires programme launched in 2022 by Serena Kennedy and Emily Spurrell, respectively the chief constable of Merseyside Police and Merseyside’s police and crime commissioner.
She Inspires aims to inspire young girls into further education, apprenticeships and employment. It is designed to build their confidence and realise their potential both on and off the pitch.
We will have lots of photos from the tournament in the next issue (Issue 35) of Ridgeway New Times.
