A team of girl footballers from a Staffordshire school caught a glimpse of life in the big leagues when they lifted a trophy at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.

The Under 13 girls team from the Friary School secured a 3-2 victory over girls from Frances Bardsley in Essex in the final of the national Minute Maid School Cup.

Star player Katie Wilkinson – who also plays for the Aston Villa Youth Academy – scored two goals for her side, with team mate Catherine Knight putting a third in the back of the net.

But coach Paul Mansell said the game was a real nail-biter.

“We were three nil up with about 20 minutes left to play,” he said, “Then the other team scored two late goals. “There were definitely a few tense moments.”

Mr Mansell said the victory was the perfect end to an incredible experience for the Friary girls.

“Everyone was so chuffed,” he said, “The girls have had the same bus driver for the whole tournament, and he took them all to McDonalds as a treat.”

The coach said the success of the team was inspiring other pupils at the Friary School to get involved with the sport.

“There is a definitely a lot more interest in football now among girls at the school, the team are a bit like celebrities at the moment. Players like Katie Wilkinson in particular inspire the other girls.”