YOUNG footballers have scored a personal goal after being selected for the area squad.

Five footballers from the Wensleydale School and Sixth Form, Leyburn, successfully completed trials with the U16 Hambleton and Richmondshire girls’ football squad.

They will now train and play at the higher level with some of the best young players in the area.

The successful girls include Sophie Preston, 14, of Aysgarth, Mary Dent, 14, of Jervaulx, Jess Johnson, 14, of Bainbridge, Lucy Dent, 15, of Jervaulx and Bethany Harrington, 14, of Coverbridge. They will now play against the top players from across the North at a time when women’s football nationally is on the rise.

Jess said: “It’s great having so many players from one school in the squad as we play well together. It also helps us bond, promotes team-building and grows our self-confidence.” Head teacher Julia Polley said: “They are a great group of girls who thoroughly deserve the selection. They are a prime example of what can be achieved if young people find a passion and work hard towards a goal.”