Cumbria's Lioness Georgia Stanway pays tribute to Kendal's Poppy Atkinson
The 10 year old was killed after a car ended up on a sports pitch at Kendal Rugby Club
Last updated 7th Mar 2025
Cumbrian born Lioness Georgia Stanway's paid tribute to Poppy Atkinson, from Kendal, who died after a car ended up on a sports pitch on Wednesday (5 March).
The 10 year old was involved in a collision with a car while attending a training session at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Shap Road.
Lioness Georgia Stanway - who was born in Barrow-in-Furness and currently plays for Bayern Munich - took to Instagram to express her sadness at the news:
Poppy's family described her as the "focal point of their lives".
They added, she was determined to be a professional footballer and play for Manchester United.
Lionesses Ella Toone and Leah Williamson have joined fellow team mate Georgia Stanway in paying their respects to Poppy.
They join many local clubs - as well as Everton Women - who've sent their condolences to Poppy and her family.
People have laid floral tributes and Kendal Rugby Club has cancelled its fixtures this weekend.
Lancaster & Morecambe Service to Youth League are asking local clubs to carry out a minute's silence before kick off this weekend to reflect and pay respects to Poppy.
In a Facebook post, the league also expressed their 'deepest sympathies and thoughts go to Poppy and her family, friends, team mates and coaches at this horrendous time.'
Family: 'Poppy touched so many lives'
Paying tribute to her life, Poppy’s family 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% 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.
“Poppy idolised Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Mainoo and Messi to name a few. Poppy was a small, petite and beautiful 10-year-old, yet she played up an age group and proudly represented the Kendal United and county U-12 teams.
“Poppy earned her place through her determination and her technical mastery on the pitch, her skill was envied by most that she played with and against.
“Poppy was sister to 7-year-old Edward. Edward worshipped the ground Poppy walked on, he only ever wanted to be like her. Poppy would coach and support Edward with his football, it was so beautiful to see.
“The hole in our lives and so many around us that Poppy leaves is enormous, we will never be whole again. This world has lost a spirit like no other, she was a force of nature. She was so special, she was too good for this world.”
An eight-year-old girl, from Kendal, was taken to hospital for treatment but her injuries were not life-threatening.
Cumbria Police arrested a 40-year-old man from Lancaster on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving but said there was "no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act".
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