The champion team from Marple Hall School have been celebrated in Parliament after winning the English Schools' FA Cup final.

The girls' under-15s squad beat Kings Langley School after a well-fought game at the Sixways Stadium in Worcester.

Although the game got off to a tricky start with Kings Langley taking the lead, two remarkable goals from Penny Hallos meant Marple Hall were leading 2-1 by half-time.

A stalwart defensive performance from the squad in the second half meant the team kept their lead, and the game ended 2-1 to Marple Hall.

Marple Hall headteacher Mr Joe Barker described it as "a remarkable run for a remarkable team, and thoroughly deserved".

This cup final win means that this U15 girls' squad are treble winners, champions as they are of Stockport, Manchester and now England!

To recognise the team's successes, Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart moved a motion in Parliament.

The motion holds that the House of Commons "recognises the outstanding achievement of the Marple Hall School Girls U15s team in winning the English Schools' Football Association Girls Development Cup".

It also praises the team's treble win and the team's unique position as the first national champions in Marple Hall School's history.

Ms Smart said: "The whole of the town is incredibly proud of these girls for their achievements. 

"My recent hundredth speech in Parliament was on ensuring that girls and young women were given the opportunities to participate in sport, and it is fantastic to be able to celebrate these young women who are doing just that.

"It's great to be able to help celebrate their national success at Parliament, and I look forward to them achieving wonderful things going forward."

Marple Hall head Mr Barker also said: "I absolutely love what this team of girls has done for MHS, they have brought us together more than anything else, and I could not be any prouder of our school than I am this week. [...]

"The whole school got behind the team with the game live streamed into every classroom and our halls over lunch.

"My colleagues tell me that they have never felt an atmosphere like it at Marple Hall School, the whole school site reverberating to the cheers when the teams came out, when Penny scored her two amazing goals, and at the final whistle."

You can watch the game in full, with professional commentary, on the Youtube link above, or by clicking here.

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