Family's tribute to football-loving Kendal girl, 10, who died after being hit by car on sports pitch

The family of a football-loving girl who died after being hit by a car on a sports pitch in Kendal have paid tribute to "a force of nature".

Poppy Atkinson, 10, died on Wednesday after the collision involving a car and two children at Kendal Rugby Club.

Her family released a tribute to her, saying: “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.

“Poppy was 100 per cent 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 to play for Manchester United.

“Poppy idolised Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, Mainoo and Messi to name a few.

"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.

“Poppy was sister to seven -year-old Edward. Edward worshipped the ground Poppy walked on, he only ever wanted to be like her. Poppy would coach and support Edward with his football, it was so beautiful to see.

“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.”

Other tributes have been paid to Poppy.

Dr Stephen Green, chairman of Kendal Rugby Club, said on Wednesday: "We are deeply saddened to confirm that an incident occurred today at Kendal Rugby Club, resulting in a tragic loss of a child's life.

"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."

Tim Farron, MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale, said: "This is devastating, utterly heartbreaking news.

"I’m praying for the children and for their families and friends. Our community in Kendal is stunned and in mourning."

A spokesperson for the Lancaster and Morecambe Service to Youth League said: "This Sunday's fixtures, we ask all our clubs and teams across all age groups to stand silently for a minute before kick off this weekend to reflect and pay respects for the tragic, heartbreaking loss suffered yesterday.

"Our deepest sympathies and thoughts go to the child's family, friends, team mates and coaches at this horrendous time."

A spokesperson for Morecambe Football Club said: "The thoughts and deepest condolences of everyone at Morecambe FC are with those affected by the tragedy which took place in Kendal yesterday."

A Lancaster City Ladies FC spokesperson said: "We are devastated to hear about the tragic accident that occurred at Kendal Rugby Club last night.

"We send our condolences to the family and friends of the young girl who tragically lost her life playing the game we all love.

"Our thoughts and prayers are also with the young player who suffered injuries during the incident and to all our friends at the GT7 Academy and the GT7 Girls Football Academy during this difficult time."

Kendal Parish Church will be open until 5pm on Thursday and at 8.30am on Friday for prayer, space, quiet and the lighting of candles.

Police were called at 4:58pm on Wednesday to a report of a collision involving a car and two children on a pitch at Kendal Rugby Union Football Club on Shap Road.

An eight-year-old girl from Kendal was also injured in the incident, involving a black BMW i40. She was taken to hospital and her injuries are not life-threatening.

A police spokesperson said on Thursday, that "at this time, there is no indication to suggest that this incident was a deliberate act".

Police are treating the collision as an isolated incident and there is no suggestion at this time that it was terror-related.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact police by reporting online HERE, quoting incident number 195 of 5 March.

* A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.