READY FOR ACTION: Amber Holt, who has been signed for the Durham RTC U14s					   TM pic
READY FOR ACTION: Amber Holt, who has been signed for the Durham RTC U14s TM pic

YOUNG football star Amber Holt is taking a big leap in developing her skills with the Durham Regional Talent Club (RTC).

Amber, from Staindrop, first signed for Durham as a nine-year-old.

Now, three seasons on, she will be part of the U14 squad – despite being just 12.

The year 7 Staindrop Academy youngster will now kick off against teams from other club RTCs after spending the last three seasons playing against the boys in the Russell Foster league.

In the season just ended, Amber’s all-girls team finished a creditable fifth in the U12s boys division six of the Russell Foster League, playing home games at Newbottle.

Amber’s dad Dave said it was quite an accomplishment for his daughter to earn a new contract with Durham as she was competing against older girls for a place.

Amber, who play in central midfield, said she was delighted to make the grade.

“I was a little surprised. I did not think I had the best of seasons.”

She now enjoys a couple of months off before pre-season preparations begin – but there will be no let up in her fitness regime, with regular gym sessions lined up.

A Huddersfield Town supporter like her dad – “She didn’t have much choice,” he said – Amber is already looking forward to the new season. “I would like to get into the starting 11. I will try my hardest in training to get into the team,” she said.

Amber is also on the look-out for a new sponsor, having previously been supported by the Hayloft Bistro, who her dad said had been “brilliant”.

Sponsorship details are available by emailing morillo@hotmail.co.uk.