Girls' football team crowned best in the country

While Andoni Iraola led AFC Bournemouth into European football for the first time last week, another team on the south coast were going one better - becoming national champions.

The Bournemouth School for Girls under-12s team recently saw off more than 250 other squads to win the English Schools' Football Association tournament.

Their crowning glory came earlier this month with a win on penalties against Thomas Telford School in the final, which was played at the home ground of Championship side Stoke City.

PE teacher Michelle Vincent said the triumph was "just the best feeling", adding that the team now "feel like local celebrities".

"To have this amount of talent in one year group - it just doesn't happen very often," Vincent said.

"They have really, really grown together as a team."

The PE teacher said the squad was "so cohesive, so aware of each other, and so accepting of each other."

"I think that is basically down to football."

The team sailed past squads from across the country to make it to the final on 20 May at the 30,000-seater bet365 Stadium.

"I don't think I've ever been so nervous," Vincent said.

But star goalkeeper Ella said the occasion had not overawed the team.

"It's always really nerve-wracking, but the whole vibe was amazing with all the fans," she said.

As the game headed to spot-kicks, Vincent said: "I don't know why, but I was not worried about the penalties whatsoever.

"I knew I had between the sticks - she's just amazing."

The team ended up winning 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in normal time and were crowned national champions.

"They've done so much but for themselves, for the school, their parents and they're just an absolute credit," Vincent said.

"It's been my absolute honour to share that journey with them."