SCHOOLGIRL footballers reached a major goal in their careers after qualifying for the finals of a prestigious regional tournament.
Years 7 students from the Allertonshire School, Northallerton, defeated a number of area champions to qualify for the North-East England Football Competition, staged at Newcastle Soccerdome.
Featuring some of the best players in the North, competition was fierce with the Allertonshire girls losing their opening game.
Stung into action they won the next one 3-1 before losing to the eventual competition winners in the third round. The last two matches they won giving them a creditable third place overall.
The team comprised Emma Lawn, 12, Anya Hudson-Stockdale, Mia Murray and Ellie Vayro, all 11, Poppy Layfield and Jessica Alderson, both 12.
Captain Ellie said: “The standard of football was exceptional but we were all happy with the way we performed with three good wins. It was amazing being part of such a big tournament and it has really spurred us on.”
PE teacher Eddie Myers added: “They narrowly missed out on a place in the national finals but they did incredibly well.
“Even in qualifying they beat schools from Thirsk, Bedale, Easingwold and Richmond.
“They also defeated the champions of Harrogate, York and Selby and Ryedale areas and did North Yorkshire proud by playing fantastically well in the finals.” He said the girls not only played some excellent attacking football but also solid defence and great goalkeeping.
