SOME lucky girls from Belmont Wanderers mixed with the England Lionesses when they took in last weekend's Bristol Academy v Manchester City WFC?game.

The opportunity was provided by Amanda Evans, the manager at the Kindle South Wye Development Trust, whose daughter Georgia has recently signed a professional contract with the Bristol Academy.

Girls from several age groups - under-10s, under-12s and under-14s - made the trip and the hospitality offered by the Bristol Academy was top-class.

The girls who attended were Billie-Rose Tipping, Katie McKie, Hazel-Freya Thomas, who will escort the FA Cup out during the women's final at Wembley next month, Eve Phelps, Felicity Phelps, Kyra Jennings, Libby Beavan, Heather Hill, Charlotte Hill, Katie Sheldon and Chloe Parry.

The Belmont girls met special guest Vicky the Vixen and were then invited to walk out on the pitch with the Manchester City women’s team. The parents and coaches were just as excited as the girls.

The game itself saw Evans play her part in a tough fixture, with Manchester City WFC winning 3-0 with goals from England star Toni Duggan (2), one of which was a phenomenal strike from outside the area that went in off the crossbar, and Daphne Corboz.

Both during half-time and full-time, players from both sides spent time greeting fans and signing autographs.

Chris Tipping of Belmont Wanderers said: “To sum up the day would be hard in a few words, but the easiest one to use is inspirational.

“Thanks to those who helped arrange such a wonderful day, and also thanks to the players for just simply inspiring our girls. Women’s football needs all the support it can get and with the recent surge in interest things are certainly moving in the right direction.”