JETTING out to the far corners of Europe to play an international is all in a day's work for the young footballers of north-west Durham.
The young players of Sandhole Juniors, from the Stanley area, will fly to Petrozavodsk, in the republic of Karelia, in north-west Russia after they played host to the Russians last year.
Money for the trip was raised by the young players with the support of residents, community groups and businesses.
Local Labour and Independent members of Durham County Council contributed £1,000 from their individual Community Fund budgets and the councillors gave the team a send off.
"These young people have shown tremendous responsibility in organising the visit," said Joe Armstrong, councillor for Esh. "I am sure they will be excellent ambassadors for County Durham. All they need to do now is win their football matches."
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