A STUDENT from Stanley has been awarded the Premier League Young Player of the Year Award by Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light charity.

Laurynn Lowden, 19, who is studying sport at New College Durham, won the award for her commitment and drive, improving her fitness as well as her contribution to volunteering in football.

She received her award at the Foundation of Light’s annual Top Scorer event, which took place at the Stadium of Light recently.

Miss Lowden is one of the founder members of the New College Durham Women’s Football Development Centre and was nominated by her head coach Helen Byrne.

Ms Byrne said: “This is a great achievement and Laurynn should be very proud of winning this award.”

Miss Lowden joined New College Durham from North Durham Academy in 2012.

Since then, she has completed a Level 3 sports programme and progressed to an HNC in Sports Coaching and Development.

Steven Bell, the college’s curriculum manager for sport, said: “We have watched her develop not only as a player, but as a person and as a coach.

“Our link with both Newcastle and Sunderland Foundation is a real bonus for our students and we look forward to more success in the future, both on and off the pitch.”