AS the England Lionesses inspire the nation at Euro 2022, a girls’ football team at a County Durham primary school has become the pride of the north.

The Under-11s Girls team from Hurworth Primary School, near Darlington, triumphed at a Northern schools tournament without losing a game.

Shaunagh Laing, Hurworth Primary’s PE subject lead, who coaches the team, said: “They’re relentless. They have won all of their games comfortably, and have only conceded a few goals.

“They really deserve to relish this moment. They’re helping to raise the profile of girls’ football – there’s a real buzz for it now, just as much as for the boys.

“It’s amazing what they’ve achieved. They’re really proud of each other. It’s a fantastic way for some of them to conclude their primary school careers, and I’ve no doubt that they’ll continue their football journey at secondary school.”

The team, which comprises pupils from Year 5 and Year 6, saw off tough opponents from all over the north of England, eventually beating a Grimsby side to be crowned regional champions.

“They played some tough opponents but they won all their games comfortably,” Miss Laing added. “ They’ve just really clicked, which is amazing when you think that – because of Covid – they haven’t really played together all that much.”

The girls progressed to the national tournament, where they competed against some of the best under-11 teams in the country. But despite giving a spirited performance and coming so close to representing England at Wembley, the team were knocked out on penalties in the final.

Alison Maddison, Hurworth’s Head Teacher, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the girls for all their hard work and success.

“For a team from a small village primary school to lead the North-East and compete nationally is a fantastic achievement, and I hope they all realise what an amazing thing they’ve accomplished together. Well done, girls.”