AN INTERNATIONAL football star has endorsed a pioneering new football academy aimed at developing young girls in the sport in the North-East.

Manchester City and England player Jill Scott, from Sunderland, put a group of girls through their paces at session provided by Evolution Football Coaching today (Tuesday, December 22).

The new Girls Football Academy, will be officially launched at Lord Lawson Academy in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, from 9am to 11am on Sunday, January 3.

Coaching, aimed at girls aged from 6 to 15-years-old, will be taken by three ex-professional players and a current NUFC woman player.

Evolution Football Coaching director Gary Smith said: “Their role will be to help each promising young player to achieve their maximum potential.

“The academy will be set up with a defined coaching curriculum, which has already proved successful.”

Ms Scott said: “Having witnessed first-hand the exceptional level of coaching provided by Evolution Football Coaching, I highly recommend their new Girls Football Academy.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for young girls to learn, develop and achieve. Their philosophy and professionalism is outstanding and I am excited to continue to work with them."

For further information contact coaching director Gary Smith on 07967-249533 or visit www.evolutionfootballcoaching.co.uk