Players from Surbiton High School have won the once in a lifetime opportunity of lifting a trophy at Wembley Stadium, after coming out victorious in the Utilita Girls Cup.
Representing their local EFL club AFC Wimbledon, Surbiton defeated Trinity School, representing Carlisle United, 2-1 in the final, which took place in front of a boisterous crowd ahead of the Papa Johns Trophy Final.
Student Coco Williams Everett scored twice to lead AFC Wimbledon to victory. She said: “It feels amazing. Not many people get the chance to play at Wembley, so it’s been an incredible opportunity! It’s something I’ll remember forever.”
Zak Elbekri, Head of Football at Surbiton High School, added: “To get to this stage is an achievement in itself, but to win this time adds a bit extra to the experience. Playing at a venue like Wembley is incredible and an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.”
The players were presented the Girls Cup trophy by former England international Fara Williams. She said: “The competition is fantastic. The opportunity for any young player to play in a Cup Final at Wembley is unbelievable and this is a fantastic occasion for the girls to experience.”
In partnership with the EFL, the Utilita Girls Cup is a national tournament which sees some 6,000 girls playing at local and then regional stages. Schools compete to represent their EFL side on the national stadium’s pristine pitch in front of thousands of fans ahead of the Papa Johns Trophy Final.
Inspiring children to be active, healthy and develop a strong sense of teamwork, the Utilita Girls Cup celebrates the beautiful game at the heart of communities around the country. The Utilita Kids Cup runs alongside the girls’ with over 12,000 children competing for their chance to play at Wembley Stadium, falling ahead of EFL Play-Off Finals in May.
To find out more about the Utilita Girls Cup, and how your school could play its part next year go towww.efl.com/clubs-and-competitions/utilita-kids-girls-cup/
