FOOTBALLING hero Kevin Kilbane met the possible stars of the future when he was the star guest at a trophy presentation.

Five-a-side footballers celebrated their winning ways at a presentation at Auckland Youth and Community Centre, Woodhouse Close, Bishop Auckland.

Irish International and Sunderland player Kilbane presented the winners of the under-11, under-14 and under- 17 leagues, which are contested at the community centre on Tuesday nights.

The league is run through Wear Valley District Council Sport Action Zone and Sunderland Football Club's Football in the Community scheme.

Wayne Brown, community physical activity co-ordinator at the centre, said that he and colleague Suzanne Richardson set it up for youngsters on the Woodhouse Close Estate and it had attracted between 50 and 60 players.

He said: "They have really got into it and organise all their own teams themselves. They are very dedicated and make sure they turn up for games on time, and the presentation night is to thank all the kids for all the hard work they have put into this.''