The family of a girl who died following a crash on a sports pitch in Cumbria has paid tribute to a “beautiful” 10-year-old.
Poppy Atkinson, from Kendal and who dreamed of playing for Manchester United, was training when she was struck by a car that smashed through a barrier and ploughed onto the sports pitch at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Wednesday evening.
Paying tribute to her, 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.”
They added she idolised Lionesses Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway as well as Lionel Messi and Kobie Mainoo.
Her family said: “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 play for Manchester United.
“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.
“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.”
A second child, an eight-year-old girl also from Kendal, was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Cumbria Constabulary said there is no indication to suggest that this collision was a deliberate act.
A 40-year-old man from Lancaster was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.
Nick Turley, headteacher of Old Hutton CE Primary, where Poppy was a pupil, said the school community were “devasted” by the loss.
He said: “Poppy was a much-loved member of Old Hutton Church of England Primary School and was someone who brought joy, light and happiness to all she did.
“She was a bundle of energy and was also a fantastic footballer, having had trials for a number of local teams.
“Poppy had a wonderful sense of humour and a deep love of life. This was evident in all her close friendships and in the relationships she had with all of our teaching staff. Our prayers will remain with Poppy’s family and as a school community we will do all we can to support them.”
The mayor of Kendal, Jonathan Cornthwaite, expressed his heartfelt sympathy to the families and all those affected.
He said: “It’s hard to put into words our sense of shock at such a tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families affected by this terrible event.
"Churches across Kendal are open today for anyone needing a moment of quiet reflection."
The chair of Kendal Rugby Club, Stephen Green, posted on Facebook that the club was deeply saddened, adding: “Our thoughts are with their family and friends and we kindly ask for privacy for all involved at this difficult time.
“We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they conduct their investigation – the club and all facilities are temporarily closed while this is carried out.”
A Cumbria Constabulary spokesperson added: “Investigative enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances of this incident and to inform a future coronial process.”
Anyone who directly witnessed the collision is asked to contact police by reporting online through this form, quoting incident number 195 of 5 March, or to call 101.
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