Gateshead College's women's team have been enjoying their success as they celebrate winning the British Colleges' Women's Football League.

Up against 21 college teams in the league, the champions brought home the trophy after beating title holders East Durham 4-1.

Team coach at Gateshead College, Melanie Reay is delighted with the success. She said: "Every member of the team has put so much effort into training and all of their hard work has been rewarded. We look forward to challenging for the title throughout future seasons."

The British Colleges' Football League is a National Youth League sanctioned by the FA to provide competitive fixtures for young talented footballers enrolled into College Football Development Centres throughout the country.

The players are currently studying towards National Diplomas in sports science and sports performance and excellence at the College's Academy for Sport at Gateshead Stadium, and are members of the Tyne and Wear Women's Football Academy.

Team captain and England player, Emma Redhead, led the team to their victory. She said: "This is such a great achievement for the team. We are thrilled to be bringing the trophy home. We have all really enjoyed winning the title, and playing as a team. We have great morale which has helped us."

Many of the players also play professional woman's football for local teams Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC. At present two of the girls are in France representing England in the European Championships.

The start of 03/04 season has heralded a more structured development of opportunities for female 16-19 year-old students in colleges. The women's league, growing from a small base in 02/03 has now expanded to three regional leagues accommodating 21 college teams.