A North Yorkshire councillor is helping a group of young Harrogate footballers on their way to a national final.
Saltergate Schools Girls’ Football Team have progressed to the Premier League Primary Stars Under-11 National Final, set to be held at Molineux Stadium on 12th June.
And the team’s story has captured the attention of Cllr. Monika Slater, who, inspired by their remarkable achievements, has pledged funding for their travel to the National Finals through her North Yorkshire Council locality budget.
She said:
“When I was growing up, girls’ sport was hockey and netball, which were great fun but not something you could play with your friends outside of PE lessons.
“Seeing girls embracing football is fantastic as it is an activity they can do together with just a ball and an open space.”
She added:
“The Saltergate Schools girls' team have done so well to get through to the National Finals and I hope they really enjoy the sense of occasion as much as the competition itself.
“I am delighted to use some of my North Yorkshire Council locality budget to support the trip, and I am immensely proud of their achievement.”
The team’s journey began with their victory at the ESFA Pokémon Primary Cup County Finals in Richmond, where they were crowned North Yorkshire County Champions.
This triumph opened the doors to a series of high-profile tournaments, culminating in them being crowned Northern Champions after a thrilling final at Newcastle University.
Their success has earned them a coveted spot at the National Final, where they will proudly represent Saltergate Schools and Harrogate Town on one of English football’s biggest youth stages.
Their achievements have also caught the attention of Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon, who sent a letter of support directly from the House of Commons.
In his letter, Mr Gordon praised the team’s "remarkable victories across multiple football tournaments."
He also praised Saltergate Schools’ staff “whose guidance and encouragement have made these successive victories possible.”
Mr Gordon wrote:
“You have made all of us in our constituency incredibly proud and we look forward to celebrating many more victories with you in the future.”
Since February, the team has competed in five tournaments, winning four and scoring over 60 goals, while playing at major venues including Newcastle University and the Liverpool Football Academy.
Team Coach and PE Lead at Saltergate Schools said:
“We continue to see persistent barriers in girls’ and women’s sports today, whether it’s limited access to pitches for training and games, financial pressures on low-income families, or transport issues that make it difficult for girls to attend events.
“However, thanks to the generosity of people like Cllr. Slater, the dedication of school staff fighting for girls’ right to play, and the tireless commitment of grassroots coaches, these barriers are beginning to fall.
“Just like our football girls, I believe we could be watching future Lionesses playing on our school fields.
“It’s a privilege to be part of their journey, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”
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