THE Under-14's York and District Girl's football team has reached the semi-finals of a national competition.

Following a nail-biting victory in the English Schools' Football Association (ESFA) Under-14's Champions Cup over Sefton, based in Liverpool, an incredible effort has seen the girl's team reach the semi-finals.

A tie against Medway Under-14's Girls on Saturday, February 17, awaits with the visiting Medway side making the long trip up from Kent, with a place in the ESFA Under-14's Champions Cup awaiting the winner.

Traditionally and up until this season, York have had five district boys team from Under-11's to Under-15's with players representing both their school and the City of York for many years.

However, with the rapid rise of women's football and recent success of the Lionesses, a huge grow in attention in the female game has seen the creation of the first representative girl's team in York.

The new team was helped formed by Izzy Anderson, goalkeeper of the team, after the York shot-stopper approached Mr Brown of Ebor Academy at her brother's District football presentation awards ceremony and helped put the idea forward.

All players were chosen at the beginning of the season through a trial process, and have gelled together extremely quickly under coach Scott Backhouse.

Backhouse remains very proud of the efforts of his players, telling the Press: "The girls have been an absolute credit to the district and their schools.

"Their attitude has been fantastic and the standard of football has been very high and we've received lots of compliments along the way.

"We'd like to thank parents and our sponsors Air Supply and No. 5 Plumbing and Building Services.

"Also thanks to Queen Ethelburga's College and Selby Town for providing fantastic pitches throughout the season."