A NORTH-EAST teenager has been selected to play football for her country.

Lily Patrick has been selected for the under 15 England Schools' national squad this season, the only representative from Cleveland in the team.

Lily, who plays left wing, attends Red House School in Norton, near Stockton, and has made a significant contribution to the school’s sporting success.

She has represented Red House in Independent School Association competitions in football, hockey and netball, and locally for cross country.

Ken James, the school's headmaster, said: “This is an incredible achievement for Lily, and a coup for Red House.

"She has worked hard to earn this place on the team and, while doing so, has made an enormous contribution to our school’s sporting achievements.

"Recently Red House made history in becoming champions of the U15 ISA National Football Festival and Lily captained the team and scored four of our seven goals throughout the tournament including a crucial penalty in the final.”

Marie Sweeney, head of PE, said: “Our pupils continue to astound us with their skill and dedication, both to the school’s teams and their extra-curricular clubs.

"Here at Red House we continue to invest in sports, including an all-weather astroturf pitch and indoor sports flooring.

"We also invite sports personalities into school such as Olympic long jumper, Chris Tomlinson and local sprint sensation Richard Kilty.

“We’re exceptionally proud of Lily, and all of our athletes. At Red House team sports are really important, not just for health and fitness benefits, but also to help pupils to build confidence, self-esteem, social skills and a sense of fair play.

"We offer a wide range of sporting opportunities, including football, rugby, tennis, netball, cricket, hockey, swimming, athletics and rounders”.