THE year seven football team from Woodham Community Technology College, Newton Aycliffe, reached the national final of the English Schools Football Association Cup.

Woodham had to qualify through a series of matches at district and regional level.

The team travelled to the JJB Soccerdome, in Derby, for their final test. They were supported by a £250 grant from the college's parent teacher association.

Players Kyle Smith, Hugh Osborne, Paul Adamson, Daniel Lerner, Daniel Dixon, Ben Ward and Ethan Graham played well against tough opposition, but were knocked out of the competition.

Danny Morgans, head of PE at Woodham, said: "Getting to the finals was an achievement in itself and this whole event gave the students an opportunity to experience a standard of football and facilities at the highest standard."