Tragic painted coffin of football-mad schoolgirl, 10, hit & killed by car on pitch as mourners gather for her funeral

MOURNERS have gathered to pay their respects to the coffin of a football mad schoolgirl, 10, hit and killed on a pitch.

Poppy Atkinson died on March 5 after a black BMW i4 crashed through a perimeter fence separating the pitches at Kendal Rugby Club inCumbria.

Children and adults looked on in horror as the car drove down a 3ft drop from a car park and hit Poppy and another girl aged eight.

They were both rushed to hospital but medics were unable to save young Poppy.

Mourners gathered today to pay their respect as her funeral cortege made its way to Kendal Parish Church.

Her primary school, Old Hutton Church of England has also closed for the day.

A spokesperson said: “We hope that this will enable as many people as possible to pay their respects to Poppy and to be there to help support her family and friends, all of whom remain in our prayers at this time.”

People were invited to line the pavements to create “a sea of love”, as Poppy's coffin passed by.

They were also asked to wear red or a football shirt to reflect the youngsters dream of one day playing for Manchester United.

The family thanked the local community and “strangers afar” for their support.

Poppy's devastated family previously paid an emotional tribute with a statement which read: “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% 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 7-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.”;

Lioness stars Leah Williamson and Ella Toone also paid tribute to the 10-year-old.

This comes after Cumbria Police arrested the driver of a blackBMW, a man in his 40s, on suspicion of causing death by dangerousdriving.

The force confirmed earlier this month the man, from Lancaster, has now been released under investigation.