GIRLS are getting a kick out of football thanks to the quality coaching on offer at a thriving club.

Lumley Ladies, catering for players aged eight to adult-level, has earned official recognition from the Football Association.

Little more than two years after being formed, the County Durham club was this week awarded FA Charter Standard status.

It means the club can use the charter symbol, the kite-mark of the FA, on all logos, letterheads and stationery.

Parents of potential players are steered in the direction of charter standard clubs, which must pass a number of criteria to qualify, including coaching levels, child protection issues and good conduct.

Secretary Dennis Price said it was a testimony to the hard work put in by fellow officials and helpers since the club came into being in May 2002, with the aim of encouraging the growing interest in football among the female population, highlighted by the film success of Bend It Like Beckham.

He said: "Apparently, we are one of the few female-only clubs to have this distinction, as most teams get it on the back of boys' clubs where there may be a small girls' section.

"Everyone associated with the club deserves a pat on the back. It is real recognition to achieve the FA's own benchmark of suitability."

The club, with 120 players registered in teams from under-tens to seniors, is also starting to reap rewards for its efforts on the pitch.

Its senior side earned promotion to Division One of the Women's Northern Regional League at the first attempt, having won the Division Two title without losing a game last season.

Last weekend, the club fielded eight teams in three tournaments, from Stockton to Nottingham.

The three youngest sides, the Under-tens, 12s and 13s, each reached their respective finals at the Norton and Stockton Ancients' football festival, with the Under-12s and 13s emerging winners, to earn Lumley the girls' Club of the Tournament award.

An FA spokesman said: "There's only a limited number of clubs which earn the charter standard. It rewards those that deliver a quality, but fun and rewarding, football experience to its players."

Anyone interested can contact the club on 0191-389 4494.