FIVE rising stars have been called up to represent a County football team.

Steven Johnson, Mason Hurworth, Oscar Aldsworth, Charlie Lamb and Ben Reay are set to become part of County Durham Under 18’s Football Team.

The group are students enrolled on to the Level 3 Diploma in Sport with Football at Martin Gray Football Academy and Darlington College.

Martin Gray, Academy director, said: “It is great to see our students getting recognition for their hard work.

"Alongside Darlington College we take great pleasure in supporting our students to grow and develop both out on the field and in the classroom.

"To have five players called up to the County team is a great testament to the standard of football we see here the football academy.”

The students had to undergo a gruelling trials process to get selected, going head to head with other players from across County Durham.

Maria Harrop, Curriculum Manager for Service Industry and Sport, said: “We are delighted to have such great representation at county level from one of our Martin Gray sports courses.

"This accolade shows the determination of our students and the excellent support they receive from the coaching staff and tutors at the college and the academy.

"We wish them well as they embark on the new season”

For information on sport courses in partnership with Martin Gray Football Academy see darlington.ac.uk/sport