AN organisation set up to develop life skills through football and sport has won an award from the Open College Network.

Simply Soccer was formed by friends and keen footballers Michael Shead, 38, and Billy Horn, 40.

Their love of the game led to them starting the Durham business, which has helped many people across the North-East.

Programmes range from coaching courses and school holiday workshops to the personal development programme, which is accredited by the network and is a partnership of local education and training providers across the North-East.

The network has honoured Simply Soccer for its achievements at its tenth annual award ceremony.

An award was also given to a Simply Soccer graduate, Christopher Lawson, 14, for his outstanding achievements.

A pupil at Shotton Hall School, Peterlee, Christopher received the Young Person's Award from the network for making a major life change after taking part in an accredited programme.