CARDINAL Newman and Preston Colleges women's football teams have joined forces to give the students the opportunity of entering bigger leagues and possibly go professional at some time in the future.

League table rivalry will be left aside as the joint venture is likely to continue for the next couple of years. With so many small teams in the region the two colleges wanted to provide a solid team that could train and work together to allow the girls to develop their potential.

John Moss, Preston College sports lecturer and coach, said: "All the players are at an excellent standard. With the merger we are now on our way to having one of the strongest teams in the North West.

"It will give the girls an opportunity to push themselves with a real chance of gaining US scholarships, or entering leagues, as well known scouts attend matches. The team impressed last season only narrowly losing to Durham, regarded to be the best academy in the country and feeder for the Doncaster Belles managed by a former England coach."

Three talented players Katie Anderton from Cardinal Newman College and Janine Regan and captain Kerry Jones from Preston College have already been scouted as potential US scholars.

Ian Jones, Newman College Sports Lecturer and coach, said: "Having a stronger team will give the girls the opportunity to have an equal playing field, improve their standards and play national league games on a regular basis."

Future tournaments include entering the Girls' International Football Shield in France and the Durham Cup.

The team has been invited to join the North West Academy League season which will allow the girls to play at a higher standard on a weekly basis.