Premier League Primary Stars | 'Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament is a big opportunity for girls' football'

Footballers from across England and Wales lived out their dreams at the Premier League Primary Stars National Girls Football Tournament finals at Molineux Stadium, the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Twenty schools came through competitive local and regional qualifying events to represent their local club in the finals.

As well as playing on a Premier League pitch, participants wore the official kit of their club, came out of the players tunnel and got their photo taken with the Premier League Trophy.

The Premier League Primary Stars National Girls Football Tournament is not just about the 20 schools that made the finals, however, as more than 1,200 schools and 9,000 players took part in numerous qualifying tournaments.

Hear what the tournament meant to some of the pupils, teachers and officials who attended the Regional Qualifiers.

Zoe, Torquay United

"I am grateful to be here. I never thought I would be a part of a tournament like this. Coming through the gates and seeing the Southampton training ground, I was in shock and I was really excited to get started. To know that I'm playing here where other famous people have played is unforgettable.

"Taking part in this has built my confidence. I used to be really scared of playing against different people but I don't feel like that now. In our school, I am people leader which is someone who represents your class. Football gave me the confidence to go for that role.

"Playing football as a girl shows to the boys that we are all equal. We can do things that boys can do, and boys can do what we can do as well. I never thought I would get to be here, seeing the Premier League Trophy, playing against amazing people like this, but it came true. You have just got to keep believing."

Chloe Parkin, Year 5 class teacher and PE lead, Scawsby Junior Academy, Doncaster Rovers

"It's amazing for the girls to be in an event like this. We've never progressed to this stage before. By being here, the team can see that there are lots of girls’ teams, not just in Doncaster but all across the north of England; it broadens their horizons and helps them understand where they can get to.

"Being at a Premier League event is so important for the girls. It's such a fantastic opportunity to see the Trophy, to be in this environment and play against other highly competitive teams. It's been really good for them.

"This tournament highlights how the landscape has changed for women's football. When the team walked out past the Trophy, I was just so proud that they've come this far. They were all smiling and looking really proud of themselves; moments like that are why you become a teacher."

Hope, Willow & Dimonelle, Birmingham City

Hope: "Football is a game for everyone, for the whole school. Boys and girls should get to play. At our school we play against our boys, sometimes we lose, sometimes we win but we should always keep our head up.

"The girls here are really competitive and being here will inspire me to carry on with my dream of being a footballer. I'll take away with me, never stop, always carry on. Keep going all the way to the end. It's a special day."

Willow: "Being at the West Brom training ground is really fun. I don't play so many tournaments with my club so I am really enjoying being here. People have stronger kicks and that will make my hands stronger and make me a better goalkeeper.

"It's really important that there's a girls’ tournament because girls get made fun of in some schools for playing football. I don't think that's right. Girls and boys should be able to play. It's important for girls to have this opportunity."

Dimonelle: "I used to do dance and gymnastics but I wanted to play a different sport. My dad bought me boots and I started to play football for a bit - here I am now!

"It's really good playing here. I like how everyone was strong and competitive. It makes me get better competing against other people. It's an inspiring thing to be a part of."

Aoife, York City

"Today has been amazing. The matches have been a real challenge and walking out by the Premier League Trophy, something that is very hard to win, is really nice.

"I have been playing football my whole life. I feel happy when I play and like the sport because of how good it makes me feel afterwards. I'm very competitive and playing makes me want to compete more... it has also given me a lot more confidence.

"It's great that there are so many opportunities now because, at one point, girls were not allowed to play. I feel very lucky."

Ellie Tanser, Hull City Ladies captain, Regional Talent ID Coach at The FA

"When I was a child, there weren't opportunities like this. I think I played one game in primary school! It's brilliant to see the amount of players we've had here. I've been to lots of tournaments but, walking up to this one, it feels really special and I would imagine that's how the girls are feeling. They've all been running about with smiles on the faces; they're loving it.

"These days are so good for inspiring these kids to continue playing. I feel happy that these children have this opportunity and that we are growing that space for girls to play football and to enjoy themselves.

"The opportunities through programmes like Kicks and Premier League Primary Stars are absolutely unbelievable."

Isla, Kidderminster Harriers

"Being here at West Brom has been really good. I liked how we could go and take part in other activities and workshops when we didn't have a match. The teams are really nice to play against.

"It's good to have the Premier League supporting girls’ football. To see all the girls playing is amazing because now there's just so many players. It wasn't always like that.

"It was an amazing feeling to score the goals in the final. I am feeling so happy. Playing on the pitch at Molineux is a chance of a lifetime. The thing I will take away from here is happiness and thinking about all the other players, thinking through how we can do even better next time. It's definitely inspired me."

Sian Smith, Year 6 lead and SLT member Solent Junior School, Portsmouth

"I have run girls' football since I started at the school in 2012 because when I was younger, there was nothing available for me. Being a part of today gives the girls something to aspire to and it's just the enthusiasm... when we qualified, the whole school were behind them.

"Our boys’ team came and wished our girls good luck ahead of the Southampton tournament. Over the years, the boys have started respecting girls football a lot more, which is fantastic, and it's nice to see them at break times playing together and valuing each other.

"Three of our girls don't play for any other team and it's given them a lot of confidence in believing that they might want to look for other clubs outside of school. I'm really impressed with the resilience of the team.

“Seeing this venue, full of girls playing football, is incredible.”

'Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament is a big opportunity for girls' football'

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