Latest news with #KendalUnited
Telegraph
25-03-2025
- Telegraph
Girl, 10, hit by car on sports pitch died from head injuries
A 10-year-old girl who was hit by a car on a sports pitch during a football training session died from head injuries, an inquest has heard. Manchester United fan Poppy Atkinson died at Kendal Rugby Union Club in Cumbria after a BMW i4 crashed through fencing and landed on the field on March 5. Another girl was also injured. Kirsty Gomersal, the acting coroner for Cumbria, opened and adjourned the inquest into the death of Poppy, whose funeral took place this week in her home town of Kendal. Ms Gomersal said a post mortem found Poppy died from head injuries. Ben and Clare Atkinson, Poppy's parents, did not attend the short hearing, but were represented by Emily Taylor, their solicitor. Poppy, who played with the under-12s team at Kendal United and at county level, was training with other football teams when the incident took place. Cockermouth Coroner's Court heard Poppy's death was confirmed by paramedics at 5.12pm. PC Curtis Westworth attended the Royal Lancashire Infirmary with Poppy's parents the following day, where they formally identified their daughter's body. Cumbria Police are continuing to investigate the incident after a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was later released from custody. 'The brief circumstances of Poppy's death are well publicised,' Ms Gomersal said. 'Poppy was struck by a car during football training at the Kendal Rugby Union Club, in Kendal, on 5 March, 2025. Her death was confirmed by paramedics at 17.12.' She said: 'I understand police have ongoing enquiries into her death and it is my judgement that I exercise my discretion to suspend the investigation and inquest into Poppy's death until the conclusion of the police enquiries.' Addressing Ms Taylor, the coroner asked the solicitor to pass on her condolences to the young footballer's parents. Outside court, Ms Taylor said: 'I am representing the family as regards to the coronial and civil proceeding, but obviously we know nothing more at this stage.'
BBC News
24-03-2025
- BBC News
Poppy Atkinson's school in Kendal closes for her funeral
The school attended by a 10-year-old girl who was fatally struck by a car on a football pitch is closing for the day of her Atkinson was attending a football training session at Kendal Rugby Club in Cumbria on 5 March when she was hit by the Hutton Church of England School said after speaking to parents, pupils and staff it had decided "it was right that the school does not open on Monday"."We hope that this will enable as many people as possible to pay their respects to Poppy and to be there to help support her family and friends, all of whom who remain in our prayers at this time," a spokesperson said. Poppy's family described her as a "force of nature" whose "passion for football was infectious".She played for Kendal United's U12 girls team and Morecambe girls and was a huge fan of footballers Georgia Stanway, Ella Toone and Kobbie Mainoo. Her school said it was considering honouring Poppy's memory through her love of football."As a school community we all remain heartbroken by the death of our much-loved pupil Poppy Atkinson," a school spokesperson said."Poppy's tremendous footballing talent has been well documented in recent days, and it may be that as a school community we are able to do something in her memory which reflects this. "We would want to ensure that whatever we chose to do in lasting memory of Poppy is what her family would want too and we would liaise with them thoroughly about any such memorial." A 40-year-old man from Lancaster was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving at the time but has since been released while investigations continue. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thousands raised in Poppy Atkinson appeal
More than £22,000 has been raised in memory of a 10-year-old girl killed when a car crashed on to a pitch where she was playing football. Poppy Atkinson was attending a training session at Kendal Rugby Club, in Cumbria, on Wednesday evening. A 40-year-old man from Lancaster, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released while Cumbria Police continues its investigation. Football clubs of all levels paid tribute to the youngster over the weekend with a minute's silence, while Manchester United Women's captain Maya Le Tissier held up a shirt with Poppy's name on it after her side's first goal in their FA Cup victory over Sunderland. An online fundraiser was set up by her uncles Gary Gregory and Thomas Atkinson, with the donated money to be used to cover the costs of a memorial, as well as supporting grassroots football teams across the UK. Poppy's family have described her as "force of nature" who wanted to grow up to be a professional footballer. In a statement released last week, they said: "Many who know her, and who know her determination to improve and win, had no doubt she would achieve her goal to one day to play for Manchester United. "She was so special, she was too good for this world. "Poppy touched so many lives, it was easy to see why, her energy, character, spirit and passion for football was infectious and touched huge numbers of people. "The hole in our lives and so many around us that Poppy leaves is enormous, we will never be whole again." Poppy played for Kendal United's U12 girls team and Morecambe Girls. Kendal United described her as "our much loved player", saying her "love for football shone through to all who met her and she was an inspiration to her teammates". Morecambe FC said she would "always remain part of the Shrimps family". Messages of condolence have also been sent from some of the England Women's team, including Georgia Stanway who is from Barrow. On social media, her fellow Lioness Ella Toone described Poppy's death as "heartbreaking". At the time of the incident, police said there was "no indication" to suggest it had been a deliberate act. An eight-year-old girl, also from Kendal, was taken to hospital for treatment, but her injuries were not life-threatening. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Football clubs pay tribute to Poppy Atkinson Man released in girl's pitch death investigation Girl killed by car on pitch was 'force of nature' Kendal United
Yahoo
09-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
European footballing superstars show love for Poppy Atkinson
SOME of the superstars of European football have paid a tribute following the tragic death of 10-year-old Poppy Atkinson from Kendal, led by one of her sporting idols. Bayern Munich's Georgia Stanway, from Barrow, has posted a picture on social media of the her and her teammates holding up a shirt with '10', and 'Poppy posted underneath'. The picture was captioned with the words 'For Poppy with love FC Bayern'. Stanway, cited by Poppy's family as one of her footballing idols alongside fellow England star Ella Toone, and Argentinian legend Lionel Messi, reacted to the death of Poppy at Kendal rugby club on Wednesday. On Thursday, she posted: "Devastating. I'd like to send my love and condolences to the family and all affected. READ MORE: Family pay tribute to 'beautiful and determined' 10-year-old girl "The football world will always remember Poppy and mine and Ella Toone next game will be designated in Poppy's honour." The tribute is the latest in an outpouring of grief for Poppy, as grassroots football clubs across the country marked the passing of the promised Kendal United player with a minute's silence on Saturday.
Yahoo
08-03-2025
- Yahoo
Lancs football club's tribute after Poppy Atkinson killed by car on sports pitch
A Lancashire football club has paid tribute to one of their young players, who died after being struck by a car, on a sports pitch in Cumbria. A minute's silence has also been planned on Sunday after Poppy Atkinson was fatally struck by a BMW i4 electric car at Kendal Rugby Club in Cumbria on Wednesday afternoon. Morecambe Football Club has paid tribute to the 10-year-old, who played for Morecambe Girls and Kendal United under 12s. The club said: 'The Morecambe FC family is heartbroken at the untimely passing of Poppy Atkinson, who represented Kendal United under 12s and Morecambe Girls. 'Poppy's passion for the beautiful game shone through, and her unwavering talent impressed those lucky enough to watch her play. 'Our thoughts and love are with Poppy's family, friends, and loved ones at what is an unimaginably difficult time. 'Rest in peace, Poppy - you'll always remain part of the Shrimps' family.' Lancaster and Morecambe Services to Youth League have organised a minute of silence on Sunday (March 9), asking for all of their clubs and teams to take part in Sunday's fixtures. A spokesperson said: 'At this Sunday's fixtures, we ask all our clubs and teams across all age groups to stand silently for a minute before kick-off to reflect and pay respects for the tragic, heartbreaking loss suffered yesterday. 'Our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to Poppy's family, friends, team mates and coaches at this sad time.' A 40-year-old man from Lancaster was arrested following the incident in which an eight-year-old girl was also injured during a football practice session. Part of the metal fencing on the all-weather pitch perimeter, near to a parking bay, was flattened by the vehicle. On Friday, Cumbria Constabulary said in a statement: 'Police can confirm that a man who was arrested in connection with a fatal collision in Kendal has been released under investigation. 'Investigative inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident.' Police previously said the collision was not thought to be a deliberate act. Poppy, from Kendal, was described by her family as a 'force of nature' who was in the Kendal United and county under-12 teams and had an ambition to play professionally for Manchester United. In a tribute, they said: 'Poppy was the focal point of our lives, everything for us revolved around Poppy's love for football. 'Poppy touched so many lives, it was easy to see why, her energy, character, spirit and passion for football was infectious and touched huge numbers of people. 'Poppy was 100 per cent determined to be a professional footballer. 'Many who know her, and who know her determination to improve and win, had no doubt she would achieve her goal to one day to play for Manchester United.' Her family said she idolised United and England players Ella Toone and Kobbie Mainoo as well as Lioness Georgia Stanway and former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi 'to name a few'. Manchester United said in a statement to the PA news agency: 'On behalf of Ella, Kobbie and everyone at Manchester United, we send our heartfelt condolences to Poppy's family and friends for their devastating loss. 'Rest in peace, Poppy.'
