YORK Railway Institute Under-12 girls are on the winning trail yet again.

After a campaign that saw them win four trophies 12 months ago, they have gone one better this year by qualifying to represent Yorkshire & North regional in the National Futsal finals in Birmingham.

The youngsters won a regional event at Leeds International Futsal Centre last week to get through and team coach Chris Collins and the girls are champing at the bit to get into action over the weekend of June 27 and 28.

Collin said: "Futsal teaches the girls about the importance of passing, movement and keeping the ball. It is a great learning tool for the outdoor game and is fast and very exciting to watch. There are always goals and play switches from end to end in a heartbeat."

Less than a day after qualifying for the Futsal finals, the girls won the City of York Girls Tournament at Poppleton. They gained revenge for their penalty shoot-out defeat to Fulford in the the League Cup final with a 1-0 win in a closely fought battle.

Collin added: "After the massive effort the girls put into the Futsal the day before, we really expected them to run out of steam, but as the tournament went on they just got stronger and stronger. The coaches and parents were so proud of each and every one of them."

The side are in action today at the Brayton tournament, where they will look to go one better after finishing runners-up last season. Collins has appealed for funding for the Futsal trip to Birmingham as the side will need to stay over and will have to hire a minibus.

Anyone who can help should contact Collins on 07720 441953.