Sunderland are looking for ambitious new players from the region to join it's Girls Centre of Excellence.

The Black Cats want to strengthen the Under-12s, 14s and 16s teams at their Centre of Excellence ahead of the new campaign and are looking for talented players from across the North-East who want to develop their skills at one of the centres.

Bob Oates, SAFC Community Development Officer said: "Girls and womens football is growing at an amazing rate in this country, and nowhere more so than this region where we see excellent young female players every day in the schools - if they have ambition we would like to see them!"

Sunderland boast the highest number of female season ticket holders in the Premiership and is involved in the development of girls and women's football in the region - including the women's football academy at Gateshead College which launched last year.

Trials will take place during this month at the Raich Carter Centre, Sunderland. Any player interested in joining the Centres of Excellence should express their interest in writing to Mick Mulhern, Sunderland AFC, Stadium of Light, Sunderland, SR51SU.