Young footballers from Wimbledon moved a step closer to making their Wembley dreams a reality.

Ursuline High School edged out Kingston Grammar School 2-1 to secure the AFC Wimbledon Girls Cup.

Ursuline’s PE teacher, Rachel Corrigan, said it will be an honour for her team to represent the club in the next round.

“There has been some really outstanding individual performances and team play from our girls. I am really happy for them," she said.

“We’ve never got this far in one of these competitions and we will be very proud to be wearing the AFC Wimbledon badge in the regional finals.

"We have got a really positive connection with AFC Wimbledon and it would be nice to get our hands on another trophy.”

The EFL Girls Cup comprises of a six-a-side competition for under-13 girls that culminates in a grand final prior to the Checkatrade Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium.

The road to the finals begin when each of the 72 EFL clubs organise a local competition for all schools wishing to take part. Each winning school of the local competition then represents their club in the north or south area finals, in a bid to reach the regional finals.

The two teams who are victorious in the north and south regional finals proceed to play at the grand final at Wembley in March.

Kasha Petit, AFC Wimbledon Foundation’s female football development officer, plays football for QPR Ladies and she is aiming to boost participation levels with the women’s world cup coming up next year.

“I started playing when I was about this age, I realised that football was for me, and I wanted to carry it on,” Kesha said.

“My football journey basically started at the same level that these girls are playing. I am still playing now, so it will be great if I can help build that pathway so that girls can keep playing.

“There has been some brilliant football played at our Girls Cup, including from those that haven’t played for teams so far.

"Building towards the women’s world cup next year, one of the challenges is to increase participation and build a pathway for girls to keep playing the game as they get older.”