Talented Battyford Belle is marching on!

Mirfield Free Grammar pupil Sophie Hoyle, 12, will train with the club on two evenings a week, as well as playing teams from across the country on Saturdays.

She is one of only five players to be accepted at the centre following trials involving girls from across West Yorkshire.

Sophie has played football for Battyeford Belles since she was eight and has also represented her school at several age groups.

Proud dad Chris said: “There are only 30 centres of excellence for girls’ football around the country so places are difficult to get.

“They’re all part of a route from school and grassroots football through to England international level. Even if Sophie doesn’t reach professional level, this will help with her ambition to have a career in sport.”

Battyeford Belles are holding drop-in recruitment sessions tonight, from 6pm-8pm, and tomorrow, from 10am-noon, for girls aged six to 15.