Back in October, Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation hosted the first round of the National League Trust Girls’ Cup, welcoming local primary schools to compete for the chance to represent Hartlepool United on a national stage.
After a brilliant round of fixtures, Sacred Heart Primary School and Bewley Primary School progressed to the final. The game was set to be played at Victoria Park following our fixture against Truro City, but the weather had other ideas and the final was pushed back to January.
When the two teams finally met, Sacred Heart showed their quality early, racing into a two-goal lead. Bewley pulled one back, but it wasn’t enough, and Sacred Heart were crowned champions once again — earning the honour of representing Hartlepool United in the next stage.
Representing Hartlepool United
From that moment on, these girls weren’t just representing their school, they were representing Hartlepool United.
In March, they travelled to New Ferens Park in Durham for the North East finals, taking on other National League clubs from across the region.
Wearing the Hartlepool badge with pride, the girls topped their group with three wins and a draw, setting up a semi-final against Halifax.
The game had everything. After going a goal down, the girls showed incredible character to score a last-minute equaliser and take the game to penalties, where they held their nerve to win.
The final against Darlington followed a similar script. A 2-2 draw meant penalties once again, but once again, Hartlepool came out on top.
Two shootout wins. Two massive moments. One team showing what it means to represent this club.
One Step Further
Heading into the Northern Finals in York, the girls had unfinished business after last year’s heartbreak.
This time, they made their intentions clear from the start.
Wins over Leamington (2-0), Chester (3-0) and Telford (2-0) put Hartlepool in a commanding position, before a 3-1 victory over Darlington secured top spot in the group.
A 1-1 draw against Marine, sealed by a late Rosie equaliser, rounded off the group stage, but the focus was already on the knockout rounds.
In the semi-final, the girls faced Telford again. Knowing the strength of their goalkeeper, they were determined to get the job done without penalties. Aria stepped up once more, scoring her sixth goal of the day in a hard-fought 1-0 win.
Northern Champions in Blue and White
The final. One game from Wembley. Standing in their way were Chester, but this group had learned from last year, and they were ready. A fast, fearless start saw Rosie fire Hartlepool into the lead. Then came the moment that settled it, Elyse doubling the advantage and sending the travelling families into celebration. When the final whistle blew, it meant everything.
Northern Champions., representing Hartlepool United and this year, heading to Wembley!
A Club to Be Proud Of
Vicki Burton, Deputy Manager at Hartlepool United Community Sports Foundation, said:
“I’m absolutely delighted for the girls. Their attitude and performances have been first class throughout the tournament.
They’ve represented Hartlepool United and their school impeccably throughout the competition, and they’ve been fantastic ambassadors for our Foundation and our town.
Mrs Evans has been incredible in creating opportunities for the girls, and Coach Gareth has supported them every step of the way, leading, guiding and encouraging the girls. I’m so pleased they both get to share this experience with the girls.
We can’t wait to head to Wembley and support them, it’s a brilliant opportunity and one they fully deserve.”
Wembley Awaits
Next up, the girls will represent Hartlepool United at Wembley Stadium on May 10th, where they face southern champions Tonbridge ahead of the National League Play-Off Final.
They’ll carry our badge, our town and our support with them.
The school are currently fundraising to help cover travel and accommodation costs. If you’re able to support their journey, you can donate here:
