A KEY member of the England Women’s team will be cheered on in the Women’s World Cup Final on Sunday by Weymouth footballers.

Players in Weymouth women’s and youth teams have been hugely inspired by Lioness Ella Toone, who has family links to the town.

The attacking midfielder’s brother is a resident of the town and her nephew is a former youth player for Weymouth FC.

Ella, who scored the opening goal in England Women’s semi-final win over Australia, is part of a side that has ended English football’s 57-year wait for an appearance in a World Cup final.

She and her teammates have written themselves into folklore and immortality could await if they beat Spain in the final on Sunday.

Ella, who grew up in Manchester and plays for WSL side Manchester United, previously took time out of her busy schedule to have a Zoom chat with the Terras’ girls’ team.

Michelle Tapper, women’s and youth secretary at the club, said: “We were very lucky to have a Zoom chat with our girls’ team with Ella a couple of years back.

“She was a lovely person, very down to earth with an exceptional passion for football. She was amazing with our young players answering their questions and telling us of her experiences.

“She is a very inspiring woman.”

Weymouth FC have reported a steep rise in women’s football and now has more than 40 female players at Weymouth FC Women between the two teams.

The club has started a women’s walking football team for those who want the experience, but at a slower pace.

Michelle says the success of the Lionesses is ‘huge for women’s and girls’ football’.

“For such a long time female players have had only male players to look to in the media.

“They have had to endure the ‘turning away’ when wanting to be included in playing in a predominantly male dominated game.

“Now, seeing the Lionesses on the world stage, on accessible television channels they finally get to aspire to be players in their image. To see the dream means it’s within touching distance.

“The Lionesses are an inspiration to all females who simply want to play football.”