A SQUAD of champions got their first taste of the turf at Darlington's new football stadium to reward them for their match-winning efforts.

Darlington Football Club chairman George Reynolds joined in the celebrations after the Darlington College of Technology team won the National FA Colleges Cup and the Northern Conference League Cup.

The victories were doubly sweet because some of the sides were semi-professional and it was the first season the teenagers had played together.

After showing them the Quakers' new stadium, Mr Reynolds said: "It's so good to see such enthusiasm among the kids and it is wonderful for them and their parents to achieve such a feat."

The players are all members of the college's Goals project, an innovative scheme that combines football coaching and academic studies.

Goals football development manager Dave Cowling said: "Winning both cups has been an excellent effort, especially in their first year."

The team enjoyed 1-0 victories in both finals, beating Preston College in the FA Colleges Cup and Alfreton Town, Derbyshire, in the Northern Conference League Cup.

Goals is open to youngsters aged 16 to 19 who excel at football. The coaching is free and they are supplied with training kit, team strips, transport to and from games and paid tuition and registration fees for the course of their choice.

There are still places on the course and trials will take place this month and next month. Anyone interested can contact the college on (01325) 503030.