TWO proud football teams have plenty to smile about, after proving they’re some the top players across the north of the country.

St Benedict’s School have once again come out on top, with the Under 15s girls' team earning their place in the quarter finals of the National Cup.

The team, made up by Eve Riley, Jessica Bridgman, Keira Clark, Kaela Reay, Laya McKendrey, Charli Gibbons, Grace Houghton Sophie Douglas, Emi Rudd, Leanna Giles (captain), Kacie Gillespie, Calla Grieves-Mattinson and Holly Laing, beat Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School from Leeds last week, with a winning score of 3-1.

The thrilled group will now face Walkden High from Manchester in the Quarter Finals at home.

PE teacher and coach Lisa Powe said: "To win away in the last 16 of a National Competition is unreal. My nerves were shattered. The girls were just unbelievable and I am super proud of them all.

“We played with energy, skill and above all, superb team work. We can’t wait to play on our home turf in the Quarter Finals."

Following in their idols' footsteps are the Year 7 girls’ team, who represented Cumbria in the Regional Five-a-Side Football Finals, and beating their competition to snatch a place in the National Finals next month.

The team was made up by Millie Clark, Layla Rudd, Molly Blair, Chelsea Callander, Aarleah Robertson and Ava Greeson, and the Whitehaven youngsters earned their place in the Durham-based final after winning the county competition last month.

They travelled to the North East last week to take part in the match.

The impressive team remained unbeaten by schools across the north, drawing 1-1 with Egglescliffe School (from Cleveland), and beating Ovingham School (Northumbria) 2-1, Birley Academy (South Yorkshire) 5-0, Rossett School (North Yorkshire) 4-0 and Johnston High School (Durham) 2-1.

And it wasn’t just the team who were over the moon to win, as Miss Powe was thrilled the talented group came home with yet another victory.

“The girls were simply outstanding in a very tough and hard fought competition,” she said.

“They worked together as a team and had the desire to win, displaying great skill, energy and commitment.”

Having won the regional final, the team will now go on to represent Region A in the National Finals, taking place in Birmingham next month.

The pleased teacher added: “I am super proud of the girls.”