SCHOOLGIRLS could be on the way to Wembley after getting through to the final eight of a football tournament.

The Cheney School, Headington, team is through to the quarter final of the national npower Under-13 Girls Cup, which has involved 72 schools.

They are now only three matches away from playing at Wembley when they represent Oxford United in the southern final on February 8.

Coach Cheryl Howells said: “The team was only set up here in September, so the girls have done brilliantly.

“There were a few girls’ matches played at the school before then, but now they have a brand new kit and every school year gets a game.”

She added: “It’s particularly special for me because I’m a lifelong Oxford United supporter, so I’m especially proud.

“We were all welling up when we won the other day, it’s a dream come true for the girls – and me.”

The team beat schools from around the city to get the chance to represent Oxford United against other UK teams. And last weekend, they won the regional southern final against Wycombe to claim their place in the final eight.

Captain Courtney Sumner, 12, said: “It feels great to have won, and we are proud to be the champions.”

Courtney was scouted by Chelsea FC and offered a place at their academy, but because of the distance she took a place at Oxford United’s academy instead.

She said: “We’re always a bit nervous, but I try not to think about how important it is and just play.”

The other girls in the team are Lily Hernandez, 11, Megan Anderson, 11, Molly Lygo-Jackson, 12, Bonnie Lewis, 13, Abbie Booker, 11, Anna McCrae, 13 and Chloe Clarkson, 11.

And when asked if they could beat the boys at their school, the girls shouted an affirmative ‘yes!’. Courtney added: “We want to set up a match, because we’re confident we’d win.”

Cheney headteacher Jolie Kirby said: “We are amazingly proud of the girls, who are passionate about football and have worked really hard to compete at such a high level.

“Cheryl has been the main member of staff who has been sharing her passion and skill for football and has provided brilliant coaching for our enthusiastic team.

“To have achieved so much in such a short time is simply brilliant.”

Cheney School will now compete in the semi-finals against Brimsham Green School (Bristol Rovers), Coloma Convent School (Crystal Palace) and Queens’ School (Watford) for a place at Wembley on April 3.