STUDENTS from Haydon Bridge High School have completed a training programme which aims to get more girls and women playing football.

The Game of our Own initiative is part of the FA’s Game plan for Growth, which is seeking to double the number of female participants by 2020.

Young sports leaders at the school have been acting as role models for younger pupils, to remove social barriers and change perceptions about football being a sport for boys.

The programme also sought to increase self confidence in the leaders themselves, whilst building communication and leadership skills.

Following its involvement in the scheme, which took place at the Nissan Sports Centre in Sunderland, the school successfully applied for a grant of £250 to support the young leaders in their mission to promote football amongst other females.

The money was used to buy a new team kit for the school’s U15 team for girls, to wear in their first fixture, at the Northumberland Schools Futsal Championships, at Blue Flames Sports Centre, Benton.

At the championships, the team gave a good account of themselves.

One of the highlights was a hat trick from captain Emily Barclay in their 3-3 draw with Churchill Community College.

The team’s next outing will be at the Tyne and Wear Schoolgirls’ seven-a-side event in mid-February.

Youngsters at Haydon Bridge High School are excelling in various sports.

Haydon Bridge High’s cross country and golf teams have both achieved success within the past year.