FEMALE footballers will not be kicking their heels over the usual festive lay-off this year, thanks to a new indoor soccer venue in Durham.

The recently opened £2m Soccarena development, at Belmont, has answered the call from teams unable to play their chosen sport through weather-bound pitches or seasonal ground closures over the festive period.

It is also tapping into the huge growth in interest in the sport among female football followers and players, by staging the Soccarena Christmas Cup for senior women's and girls' teams, between Christmas and New Year. Senior sides are in action on December 27, with the under-14s' teams on December 30. Both competitions have the backing of Durham FA, and competition sponsors Northumbrian Water. Among the teams taking part will be Lumley Ladies FC.