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Talented Ripon footballer signs for Manchester City

Tuesday, 30 June 2026 13:18

Star of the future: 16-year-old Lottie Day.

One of Ripon Grammar School's brightest sporting talents has secured a dream move to Manchester City Women Under-21s.

Sixteen-year-old Lottie Day’s two-year deal with the Women’s Super League club continues a remarkable rise that has seen her establish herself as one of the country’s most promising young footballers.

This week’s signing follows an impressive two years with Sheffield United Women, where Lottie featured for both the first team and Under-21 side, captained the club’s Under-16s and earned England honours at Under-16 and Under-17 level.

Lottie, who has just completed her GCSEs at Ripon Grammar School, moved to Manchester this week, marking another significant step in her rapidly developing career. She will live with a host family while embarking on her A-level studies alongside her football development.

Lottie's family thanked Ripon Grammar School for supporting her throughout her education, particularly during her GCSE year.

Her father, Kevin, said:

“Thanks to Ripon Grammar School and their flexibility and accommodation around Lottie’s ever-changing schedule, especially in GCSE year."

He also paid tribute to everyone at Sheffield United who helped her development.

“We can’t thank them enough – the coaching team, the staff and especially academy manager James Morley for his hard work on and off the pitch."

One of Lottie’s long-held ambitions has been to play professionally in the Women’s Super League, with Manchester City now providing the next stage in that journey.

While joining one of the country’s leading women’s football academies represents a major milestone for her, Lottie’s family remain focused on the long-term goal.

Kevin said:

“It’s a very long football ladder but hopefully a step nearer.”

Earlier this year, Lottie marked her England Under-16 debut by being named player of the match in a 2-1 victory over Denmark after being asked to play out of position at right-back.

She later represented England at the prestigious Mondial Montaigu tournament in France, competing against leading international sides including Japan, France, Portugal and Sweden before progressing to the Under-17 squad.

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