First all-girls squad make history beating boys amid bid to play at national level

Helen Clarke

The Player Progression Coaching (PPC) Lionesses

A girls’ football team who train in Bolton has launched a fundraising campaign to play at a national level.

The Player Progression Coaching (PPC) Lionesses under nine girls’ team is raising funds to take them to The One Tournament in Warwickshire.

Since forming in September 2024 the team has trained together in Kearsley playing matches every weekend in Monsall, East Manchester.

The squad has won a series of tournament titles and progressed through the ranks of the city’s most competitive football league, dominated by boys’ teams.

Ashley Holland, PPC Founder said: "We’re passionate about girls’ development and are always on the lookout for opportunities where the team can challenge themselves and progress as young players.

"Getting to these tournaments isn’t always easy and this support will ensure that each and every player will have the access to become the best that they can be."

The community fundraising campaign is aimed at raising £2,500 to cover entry fees, travel and accommodation for each player to attend the national tournament.

They were recently announced as the first all-girl squad to reach the top league in the Manchester Youth Super League (MYSL) competing against boys their own age.

The team of girls aged eight and nine has several players attending Emerging Talent Centres at professional football clubs throughout the North-West.

Billy Hilton, Owner of Manchester Youth Super League (MYSL) said: "They are the first all-girls team to do this in the history of MYSL and we welcome and challenge more girls’ teams to follow in their footsteps."

Donations are being taken here: https://fundraising.spond.com/ihGuabuqDe