A TEAM of rising young sports stars start their campaign to be crowned European champions today.

Woodham Warriors, the American flag football team from Woodham Community Technology College, near Newton Aycliffe, represent the UK in the European championships in Dusseldorf, Germany, this weekend.

The team will play twice tonight and then three games tomorrow.

If they finish in the top three, they will travel to the world finals in Beijing, later this year.

Student coach Danny Ketch said: "We're hopeful we can get through to Beijing, it will be tough but we're confident that we'll do our best.

"They've all done really well and come a long way since starting a new sport."

Player Chris Barber, 12, said: "I didn't think we'd get this far.

"We'd never even watched American football before starting this after school."

To secure a place in the European contest, the team beat some of the best teams in the UK, on home turf.

Coach and teacher Jon Tait, who organised the contest, impressed the national squad and was asked to join the English coaching set up.

He said: "This is a truly magnificent achievement for all the players and coaches.

"The attitude, determination and commitment of all the players is outstanding and shows that young people from this area have opportunities to compete with the best in Europe."

Cheerleaders who have supported the Woodham Warriors is also going from strength to strength.

The Tees and Wear Valley Cheerleaders started in January 2003 when a small group of girls met once a week in a church hall.

Now the club has about 200 members, aged three to 26, in three squads - Parkside Panthers, at Willington Community Centre, Wear Valley Cougars, at Bishop Barrington School, and Woodham Wildcats, at Woodham Community Technology College.

A team made up of girls from the three squads competes across the country and is the only group from the region to qualify for national competitions.

Head coach Chele Connell said: "We're thriving and always welcome new members."

Anyone interested in joining the club, or becoming a sponsor, can call Mrs Connell on (01325) 317210.