Budding female football stars from Leek and around the Moorlands have given their thoughts and discussed the future of women's football following the Lionesses' huge win this weekend.

England beat Germany 2-1 inside a packed Wembley stadium on Sunday to win the final of the Women's Euros - and now the town's young sports stars have shared the impact the tournament has had on them.

Local town councillor Charlie Smith organised for a group of local footballing girls to meet up for a chat.

She told Nub News: "We got together a group of girls that play for local teams, and spoke about football and what the tournament means to them.

"They said they really looked up to all the women who were playing in the tournament, and it was really nice to see a group of girls so excited about football."

Cllr Smith also talked about changing attitudes towards women's football and how she hopes the sport can grow in the future.

She added: "I went to school locally in the 90s and girls didn't play football. In fact, we would even play rounders instead of cricket and netball instead of basketball. Certain sports were just seen as men's sports."

But she explained how attitudes have transformed in recent years, saying: "I was in the pub for the final and the atmosphere was just as brilliant as you'd get for a men's final, and Wembley was at capacity.

"I think we are pioneers in the Moorlands because we already have quite a few girl's teams, but I don't think that's the same all over the country. In the future I would like to see more girls taking part and more equality in PE."

Madison Reynolds, goalkeeper for Leek Town Devils under-16s, explained how the Lionesses have inspired her.

She said: "I started playing football after watching the last Women's Euros in 2017. I aspire to be like Mary Earps and Millie Bright also inspired me."

Port Vale striker Skyla Oosthuizen said: "Since the Euros a lot of girls have fallen in love with football like I have, I play football three times a week and I thoroughly enjoy it, and I think I will continue to."

Nine-year-old Daisy Everill, who plays for Knypersley Knights Panthers, said: "The England team are inspirational and amazing. I hope to play for England when I'm older, it's good that it's now socially acceptable for girls to play football."

Darcey Watson, who plays up front for Chatterley Vics, said: "The England girls have played so well and made everyone so proud. It has brought everyone together - we have been getting together as a family and cheering them on."

And defender Lyra Westcott added: "I started playing football in break times at school with the boys until Biddulph's first girl's team was formed. I love playing in a team and football is the highlight of my week."