YOUNG footballer Ophelia Coe’s enthusiasm for the beautiful game has made her the first player to net a trophy in memory of a tragic baby girl.

The seven-year-old was chosen to win the first Lagan’s Foundation Award by Shoot Football Academy in Westhoughton for her attitude on and off the field.

Steve Veitch, who runs the Westhoughton-based academy, said: “Ophelia always attends the academy with a smile on her face and she is always enthusiastic. She has a heart of gold.”

The trophy was awarded to the youngster at a special presentation night, which also kick-started the academy’s fundraising drive for Lagan’s Foundation.

Lagan’s Foundation was inspired by the memory of Lagan Katherine Anne Grant, who was born on January 11 last year but died on April 26 due to complex congenital heart defects (CHD).

Mr Veitch, a former professional footballer who played for Preston North End, said: “The charity is local, which makes it special, but one of our members, Lucas, has a sister, Gabriella, with a heart condition which makes supporting Lagan’s Foundation important.

“His mother, Emma Collings, has been really supportive of the academy.”

The presentation night raised £300 for the charity, and more are planned throughout the year.

Parents Carren Bell and Barry Grant, from Horwich, set up Lagan’s Foundation to help families of children with babies who are born with a cardiac condition to provide care and support at home for families with babies and children under five. They are recruiting volunteers who will be trained at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital where Lagan was cared for.

Miss Bell said: “Emma, whose two-year-old daughter has CHD, is tremendous and she actively promotes the foundation and that is where the link with the academy has come from.

“They gave us so much attention and care.”

To find out more about the academy by visiting shootfootballacademy.

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