WILLIAM Barwick, from Embsay, has earned a place at the Leeds United Academy, thanks to an initiative run by Bradford City Women's player Sophie Hawkins.

Hawkins recently set up Select Football in Skipton, which offers football training for those between the ages of six and 16. Having been impressed by William at the sessions, Hawkins sent him for an ultimately successful trial at Leeds.

She explained how the nine-year-old impressed, saying: "He's committed, he's got the determination, yes, he's good at football, but he's got the right attitude."

Hawkins is hopeful of more success for her youngsters in the near future, as she is sending two of the younger group to the upcoming Bradford City trials.

Explaining why she set up the scheme, she said: "From experiences from when I was younger, I don't think there is enough to push kids further in what they're good at.

"That's the whole aim of why it's set up, to get kids into those trials and to get clubs to look at the talent we have got in Skipton.

"There was nothing for us when I was younger, I had to do it all myself."

Hawkins is hopeful that the scheme will continue to bear fruit in years to come and that more future stars will be unearthed.

Another boy who attends the football school, but cannot currently be named for professional reasons, has also been given a place at the Leeds United Academy.

In order to expand the reach of her growing football school and to ensure some important investment in the scheme, Hawkins is looking to secure a full kit sponsorship for her U9s Academy side. Any interested parties can contact Hawkins on 07772265458, or send an email to selectfootball2017@gmail.com.