KEEN footballer Grace Pattison has earned a string of player-of-the-match awards, even though until recently she was the only girl in her team.

Sterling performances by Grace, seven, for Darlington's Skerne Park youth team frequently earned her the end-of-match accolade, while her enthusiasm and skill also saw her pick up an award for outstanding achievement at The Northern Echo Positive Young People Awards last month to add to a gold award from her headteacher.

After a recent transfer to local team Spraire Girls, the Dodmire school pupil is now aiming high and has her sights set on an England place.

"You wouldn't believe what she can do - she takes the ball round the boys and goes straight for goal," said her proud father, Jeff.

"After she joined Skerne Park, you just couldn't keep her away. Even against more experienced sides she was still scoring the goals - and all in her first season.

"We enjoy having a kick-about in the street outside and the family often goes to see her play."

Grace, who lives in Middleton Street, Darlington, is a keen Darlington FC fan and regularly supports the Quakers at Feethams. But Mr Pattison said she has learnt much more than just football skills.

"She's gained a lot of confidence and gets on well with the lads in the team. She has made many friends and she has learned lots about discipline and teamwork - every youngster should do something like that.

"It has been great for our family as well. My wife, Julie, and I like going to watch the games and her four-year-old brother, Bryce has been inspired by his big sister."

As the nation holds its breath over David Beckham's ankle, Grace is confident the England's captain can make a recovery.

"I've got my fingers crossed," she said."I think he will be better in six weeks."

Now she is looking forward to next season, when she hopes to play up front for Spraire Girls.

"I just like scoring goals," she said.