The Utilita Girls Cup is one of the country’s biggest national football competitions for schools and children. In 2024/25, the Girls Cup competition saw almost 7,000 schoolchildren participate in competitive football. From the local area rounds through to the Grand Final ahead of the 2025 Vertu Trophy Final, the Utilita Girls Cup is more than just a competition – it fosters boosts in confidence, engages girls to participate in team sport and encourages them to strive for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the hallowed turf of Wembley. Participants from the Girls Cup who have gone onto reach the Women’s Super League include Sam Tierney at Leicester City and Miri Taylor at Aston Villa.

Last Wednesday, Derby County Community Trust hosted the Derby County local round at Leisure United Racecourse for the 2^nd year running.

A total of 12 schools from across Derby City and Derbyshire were in attendance with over 100 female players from year 7 and 8, competing in matches to win the chance to represent Derby County at the Area Finals in January.

Ecclesbourne School came out victorious on the day and will now progress to the Area Finals to face teams representing Burton Albion, Chesterfield, Grimsby Town, Hull City, Leicester City, Lincoln City, Mansfield Town and Notts County. These finals will be hosted by Derby County Community Trust in January.

“It was a fantastic day with plenty of competitive football with young girls enjoying themselves on the pitch. We were fortunate with the weather and managed to enjoy a full day of football at Leisure United Derby Racecourse. We were supported by players from our FTP programme who did an amazing job of officiating the games, acting as positive role models for the players. 

The event was a joint effort by all in the Inclusion department, who are looking forward to hosting the regional finals in January and we are keeping our fingers crossed for our representatives, Ecclesbourne School.”

– David Goulding, Inclusion Team Leader.

Congratulations to Ecclesbourne School on their victory and a big well done to all who took part in the days event!