AN award winning youth football club has increased the age range of players it coaches by launching sessions for preschool children.

Bishop Auckland St Mary's Juniors FC already had 350 members, aged five to 22, from the town and surrounding communities training and playing for 21 junior sides.

This month an extra 40 children's names were put down for the club– named Juniors Sports Club of the Year Award at the Durham & Dales Sports Awards– when it launched its new Little Dribblers group.

The sessions for two, three and four-year-olds will be held at Bishop Auckland College, on Woodhouse Lane, on Wednesdays, from 5pm to 6pm.

Eight CRB checked volunteer coaches will lead the sessions.

Club chairman Steve Coulthard said the group is about introducing youngsters to the game, basic skills and giving them a place to enjoy themselves.

He added: "They play a variety of games of mini football, penalties, balloon balancing, parachute games to small assault course.

"It was the first one last wed and was a huge success for the children and parents."

For details visit basmj.net