A SHIPLEY College football team will fly the flag for Yorkshire at a national competition later this month.

The BCS National Championships tournament is for students who have a range of emotional and moderate learning difficulties, and for the second year in a row the college has won the regional tournament to gain a place in the finals, which take place in Bath on March 27 to 29.

Players in the college's Ability Counts team are now hard training in preparation for the event, and are confident they will do their county proud.

The regional final in York took place in October, meaning the 12-strong squad of under 19s only had a few weeks of playing together before they had to face teams from across the county at the seven-a-side tournament.

The competition involves more than 2,000 students and staff from further education colleges across England, Scotland and Wales competing in 14 different sports.

Team manager Damian Butters said: "This is the second successive year we've got to the finals, so it's the second time we've represented Yorkshire.

"It is a huge deal, we are so proud of them.

"The students in the team are all part of our essential skills course and have learning disabilities. Last time we played against teams from London, the Midlands and across the UK.

"t is an amazing experience for them. Some have never stayed away from home before. As well as the football skills they are learning to be more independent. It gives them this self belief and lets them know they can still get involved in football.

"It is just massive for them to be able to say they are representing Yorkshire and the Humber at a national competition. It is especially good for a small college like us to have done this."

As part of their course, the players learn all aspects of football, including management and training skills as well as playing.

Josh Naylor, 18, of Haworth Road, Bradford, is the team captain of the team, and was also in last year's team.

He said: "We did quite well to get to the finals last year, and I can't wait to go back this year. I'm very excited, I think we are going to do quite well this time. We have a very strong squad, our defence is a lot stronger this year."

Teammate Mason Faulkner, 17, of Cullingworth, said: "We have more experience this time, we've done really well to get back to Bath. I didn't think we'd get to the finals again. I think we have a very good chance this year."

The team is looking for sponsors or assistance, as they have to fund everything themselves.

Anyone who wants to sponsor the team can contact 01274 723258 or email d.butters@shipley.ac.uk