A SKIPTON footballer who started a coaching business in the town is channelling some of her young charges into professional association football.

Sophie Hawkins, 19, originally from Embsay, is no stranger to the beautiful game. She played football for the local girls’ team up until 12, and then was signed by Leeds United FC, a club she has always supported, until the age of 16.

She then went to Fylde Ladies and after doing a season there went to play for Guiseley Women and Bradford City.

An adaptable player, she plays on the wing, as striker and in centre midfield.

She has recently had a baby so has missed this last season, but is to go back into playing in the next season after being offered place with recently promoted Burnley FC Women after succeeding in trials.

She said about the business she runs: “I set up Select Football - for girls as well as boys - in October 2017, after seeing such talent in the local area. I wanted to help other footballers gain places at professional clubs.

“Since starting we have had over 20 players attend trials at Leeds United, Bradford City and Burnley; with over 10 of them players so far signing professional contracts.

“Lewis Gardner, in the U15s, signed for Bradford City and travelled to Malaga to play against Malaga U19s and Montreal.

“They have also played against teams such as Sunderland, Burnley and Oxford. Recently our U10s player William Barwick has gained a place at Burnley Football Club after being put on a six to eight-week trial.”

She added two other of her boys have attended Leeds United trials and were asked to return while youngsters William Barwick and Kian Stanford have been invited into the Burnley academy.

“We are based in Skipton, train on Wednesday evenings at Sandylands Sports Centre and are constantly on the look out for new young players to join us to develop new skills and further their footballing career.

“For the 2019/20 season we have been sponsored by Whitelocks which we have now a new kit for the U9s and U10s, however, we are still on the look out for sponsors for the new season,” she said.

Select Football also sponsored Alarna Fuller, Gusieley Women’s captain for the season just gone. It has also recently enjoyed its awards evening.

Select Football is holding a summer camp this summer for youngsters interested in joining, making new friends and learning new skills. They are on July 29 to 31 and August 12 to 14.

Details of Select Football can be found on its Facebook page.