YOUNG footballers from north Durham came second out of more than 4,000 teams in a national competition.
Derwentside District took part in the under-11s Sainsbury's ESFA Cup on Saturday.
The young stars fought a great battle in the district team finals of the tournament which took place in Keele, Staffordshire.
They won their qualifying league, beating teams from Stoke-on-Trent, Bath and Stevenage.
But they lost 3-2 in the final to Stoke-on-Trent District team, despite finishing above them during the league section of the competition.
A Sainsbury's spokesman said: "An enjoyable time was had by everyone at the football finals - players and parents alike.
For most, it was their first taster of professional football and, with national heroes like David Beckham and Michael Owen having started off their careers playing in the under-11s ESFA Cup, we will have to look out for players from Derwentside playing in the Premiership in years to come.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article