England footballer Georgia Stanway has paid tribute to Poppy Atkinson, 10, who was killed when a car crashed on to a pitch where she was playing.

Poppy was fatally struck by the vehicle while attending a football training session at Kendal Rugby Club in Cumbria on Wednesday evening.

Her family said Poppy was determined to be a professional footballer and idolised Stanway, as well as Manchester United and England players Ella Toone and Kobbie Mainoo.

Paying tribute to her, the FC Bayern Munich player said Poppy would “always play a special role” in the sport.

An eight-year-old girl, also 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”.

Stanway, who is from Cumbria, said on X the news of Poppy’s death was “devastating”.

“Sending all my love and condolences to the family and all affected,” she said.

“The football world will miss you Poppy. You will always play a special role.”

Poppy played for Kendal United’s U12 girls team and the club described her as “our much loved player”.

“Poppy’s love for football shone through to all who met her and she was an inspiration to her teammates,” a spokesperson said.

Poppy’s family said their lives revolved around her love for football.

“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,” they said.

“She was a force of nature. She was so special, she was too good for this world.”

In response, Manchester United said: “On behalf of Ella, Kobbie and everyone at Manchester United, we send our heartfelt condolences to Poppy’s family and friends for their devastating loss.

“Rest in peace Poppy.”

A number of clubs have already agreed to hold a minute-long silence for Poppy ahead of this weekend’s games as part of a campaign launched on social media by South Shields-based Team Grassroots.

Cumbria Police is investigating the crash.

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