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Young footballer from Rochdale shines in international tournament as she dreams of Lioness future

Wednesday, 18 June 2025 08:34

By David Murphy

Anastasia Kopczyk in Spain with Shawside Football Club.

A 13 year old footballer from Whitworth has returned from the Barcelona Girls’ Cup in Spain with a standout performance and hopes of one day representing England.

Anastasia Kopczyk, who plays as an attacking midfielder for Shawside Football Club U13s Girls, was part of the team that travelled to Spain for the four day international youth tournament. Competing against teams from Iceland, France, Ireland, Norway, Italy, Scotland, and across England, Anastasia played a key role in her team’s campaign, scoring a free-kick goal against a tough Icelandic side.

The Whitworth Community High School student said: “It was 1-0 for a long time and then I scored from a free kick and I was so happy. That match finished 3-0.” Despite fierce opposition, she noted how sportsmanship remained high, saying, “Some of the Icelandic footballers were a bit feisty… but at the end of the match we all still shook hands.”

Shawside won two of their group matches, defeating two Irish teams before being knocked out in the lower league stage. The experience, Anastasia said, was invaluable for team bonding and developing her skills. “We learnt how to help each other more on the pitch. It was just the best time, being there with all my friends,” she added.

Away from the football pitch, the trip included a visit to a waterpark with “massive waterslides” and temperatures hitting 28°C, an experience Anastasia described as “great fun.”

Anastasia, who has also trained with Manchester United and plays for Haslingden Girls and Ladies, comes from a football-loving family. Her sister Gabriella, 15, plays for both Rochdale and Haslingden. With her team recently winning the South Manchester Girls’ U13s Premier League and more tournaments on the horizon, Anastasia is determined to keep progressing. Her ambition is clear: she dreams of wearing the England shirt one day.

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