Louise Kaine unveiled the new kit design to the winners

Bishop William Ward Primary, in Great Horkesley, held the contest after a surge in interest about the sport by girls.

Every pupil was given the chance to design a kit and a representative from Colchester United decided the winners were Pip Toon for the main kit and Anaya Long who designed the goalkeeper’s kit.

Finished - the completed design on the kit (Image: Matt Duckworth) The girls incorporated the school colours and researched different styles before settling on their final designs.

Colchester United Women’s player Louise Kaine presented the finished shirts to the winning pupils.

Parent Matt Duckworth funded the new girls football kit with his company TSC Projects.

The school council was asked to nominate a local charity to be represented on the front of the shirt, and picked St Helena Hospice.

Headteacher Toby Bull said: “The children loved the challenge of designing a new kit and put lots of effort into their work.

“The winning designs complement each other well and it is great that Pip was chosen as one of the winners, as she was a real catalyst for the enthusiasm that spread through the school last year, captaining the team.”

Diana Turner, of St Helena Hospice, said: "The new team kit is fantastic - well done to Pip and Anaya.

"I was very moved when I heard the kit sponsor, TSC Projects, left space for a charity name and that the school council chose St Helena Hospice to be displayed on the shirt.

"On my visits to people at home, I see many young families in need of hospice care.

“Having our logo so prominently displayed will raise awareness of the support available for people in our community, so a huge thank you to the children for thinking of St Helena Hospice. Best of luck to the team."