ACADEMY Juniors Under-13s have completed a memorable league and cup-winning season by going the whole year unbeaten.

The Bolton-based girls team secured the West Lancashire League title with a 3-0 victory at Preston North End and ended their campaign with a 2-0 success at third-placed Blackpool.

After drawing their opening game of the season in September against their nearest rivals Feniscowles, the girls have gone on to win their next 28 matches in league and cup, scoring 129 goals and conceding 15 in the process.

They retained their cup title in March with a 2-0 final win against Crosby Stuart Juniors played at the home of Burscough FC.

Coach Emma Thompson said the league and cup title and going unbeaten was a fitting reward for the effort the girls had put in.

“I’ve been coaching these girls for four years and they raise the bar every season,” she said. “They practise twice a week – in rain, wind, snow and very occasionally the sun – and never complain.

“Last year they narrowly missed out on the league by two points but that made them more determined to go one step further this season.

“My philosophy is we play as a team. The goals have been shared out by 16 different players and everyone plays for each other. For most of the season it’s been nip and tuck between us and Feniscowles and that’s spurred the girls on. The quality of the football produced by the two sides in their deciding match was outstanding and we came out 4-2 winners.

“Even after winning the league the girls were determined to go the whole season unbeaten and they beat Blackpool 2-0 in their final fixture. We are already planning for next season and Academy Juniors are always looking for new players.”

Academy Juniors is an FA Charter Standard Club and are the largest girls-only football team in the North West. Anyone interested in joining the age group should call Emma Thompson on 07791 447028 or email emmathompson1994@hotmail.co.uk