GIRLS from Atherton Community School are one step away from Wembley after winning a regional rugby league title.

The Year 7 side won all eight of their matches in a tournament organised by the Rugby Football League, beating schools from Wigan, Warrington and Chorley.

They progress through to the national finals, the winners of which will compete at Wembley in a mini-festival ahead of the Challenge Cup final in August.

Sports teacher and former women’s Great Britain player Aimee Bradshaw said: “The girls’ commitment to playing rugby was evident from the start.

“None of the 15-strong squad had played before we started training and they improved in every match of the competition.”

Miss Bradshaw said she used her experience of playing for Great Britain in two World Cups to inspire the students.

“I told them rugby league had led to me travelling and playing all over the world and there was no reason why some of the girls could not go on to emulate that success,” she added.

Now the team are looking for a kit sponsor to help them look the part for the matches ahead. To find out more, contact Miss Bradshaw at the school on 01942 885500.