A YOUNG Skipton footballer who one day dreams of running out onto the hallowed turf around the UK and in international matches as an England Lioness, has taken one step nearer to her goal by being signed for Leeds United 22/23 season.

Lola Hird, 11, a pupil at Skipton Parish Primary School has honed her footballing skills by previously playing for Skipton Juniors and Bradford City FC where she was awarded Clubs Player of the Year.

She trains locally at Select Academy for extra development based at Sandylands, in Skipton, and Soccer Elite based in Marley.

She has one-to-one sessions weekly with Skipton United footballer Fred Midgley who has helped hone her talent.

Lola hopes to represent her country one day and was thrilled to have been able to attend the Lioness' games during their successful Euros campaign where Lola even managed a chat with some of the players.

The football-mad youngster trains for five hours a week and alongside Leeds United will be playing on a Sunday with Sutton Juniors boys' team.

Lola's family has offered a huge 'thank you' to Skipton-based AMC Heating Solutions for Sponsoring Lola for her first professional season with no hesitation after seeing a plea for a sponsor on social media.