A heartwarming wave of support has swept through the football community following the tragic loss of a young player. Over £22,000 has been collected to honor the memory of 10-year-old Poppy Atkinson, who was fatally injured during a training session when a vehicle crashed onto the pitch. The incident occurred at Kendal Rugby Club in Cumbria on a Wednesday evening. An online fundraiser initiated by her uncles aims to fund a memorial and assist grassroots football teams across the UK. Poppy's dream of becoming a professional footballer, particularly for Manchester United, resonated deeply with many. Tributes poured in from various football clubs, including a minute’s silence and heartfelt messages from national team players.

The tragic event took place during an otherwise routine evening at Kendal Rugby Club, where Poppy was participating in a training session. According to reports, a 40-year-old man from Lancaster was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He has since been released while the investigation by Cumbria Police continues. Despite this, the focus remains on celebrating Poppy's life and her unwavering passion for the sport she loved.

Poppy's family shared poignant words about their daughter, describing her as a "force of nature" with an infectious energy and spirit that touched countless lives. Her determination to improve and win left no doubt in many minds that she would have achieved her goal of playing for Manchester United one day. The family's statement highlighted how Poppy's absence has left an enormous void in their lives and in the hearts of those who knew her.

Kendal United, one of Poppy's teams, fondly remembered her as a much-loved player whose love for football was evident to everyone she met. Morecambe FC also paid tribute, stating that Poppy would always remain part of their family. Messages of condolences came from several England Women's team members, including Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone, who expressed their sorrow over the heartbreaking news. The outpouring of support underscores the profound impact Poppy had on the football community and beyond.

An eight-year-old girl who was also present at the scene was taken to hospital for treatment but fortunately did not suffer life-threatening injuries. As the community mourns the loss of Poppy, they continue to rally together, ensuring her legacy lives on through the initiatives established in her honor. The collective efforts serve as a testament to the strength and unity of the football community in times of adversity.