The ongoing legacy of last summer’s Lionesses success is said to be still clear at Lawn Manor Academy, which has recently celebrated its best girls’ football season in history.
Lawn Manor Academy, which is part of the Ascend Learning Trust, was one of 14 schools that took part in the Swindon schools girls’ football tournament this year.
2023 marks the first year that the team has reached the final, and although they did not manage to bring home the title, the Lawn Manor Academy team came in second place on points.
Staff said football was a popular choice this year, with the school training three teams - the Year Seven, Under 14s and Under 16s. Training took place once a week after school, with weekly competitive fixtures too.
The football teams were trained by PE teacher and ex-professional footballer Sarah Gregory.
Sarah explained: “Football has definitely increased in popularity and we’ve had more pupils coming to training who have been influenced by the women’s team this season.
“There’s a lot of talented footballers in the school and we’re so proud of the girls’ team doing so well and getting to the final for the first time. A number of our girls have also been selected to play for local teams and even clubs including Swindon Town and the Swindon Spitfires.
“Being part of the Swindon Schools sports allows us to offer year-around opportunities for pupils to take part in competitive fixtures. Each season includes training, fixtures and a final in sports including netball, football, basketball and rounders, and so pupils can try their hand at lots of different sports and skills.”
Lawn Manor say not many schools can boast a former professional footballer as their PE teacher.
Sarah used to play for Wales in the U16, U18, U21 and Women’s Senior teams, reaching the World Cup qualifiers.
She added: “Everything’s improving with women’s football and it can be a feasible career option now. I played in lots of tournaments around the world, including Iceland, Portugal and Scotland, and I played against big players, like Sue Smith, who’s now a professional commentator, and Fara Williams who played for England.”
More information about Lawn Manor Academy can be found online at www.lawnmanor.org.
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