Three young Carlisle footballers are heading to St George’s Park – after defeating the cream of the north east.

George Nicholson, Harry Kirkup and Isaac Armstrong, who all play for teams in the city, came out on top in the regional 3v3 tournament.

They saw off youngsters on the academy books of Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough to reach the national final.

George and Isaac, seven, and Harry, six, play for Haltwhistle Magpies on Sundays while on Saturdays Harry and Isaac play for Carlisle City and George for Stanwix.

They are part of a pre-academy group at Carlisle United.

Their achievements has been hailed by coach Dan Kirkup, Harry’s dad and a current Carlisle City and ex-Carlisle United player.

And their success has not gone unnoticed at Brunton Park either, with manager Paul Simpson congratulating the youngsters.

“It’s a national 3v3 tournament, designed to get kids on the ball as much as possible – the ball never goes out of play so it’s a fast game,” Dan said.

“Each region had a qualifier and the winners got to go to St George’s Park, England’s training base, to play in the national final.

“We entered a team in the north east qualifier. We played seven group games and won them all, then won the semi-final and then the final by golden goal.

The lads beat kids from Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Newcastle’s academy – the three we beat in the final were all signed for Sunderland’s academy, so it was some achievement.”

George, from Stanwix, Harry from Haltwhistle and Isaac from Gilsland can now look forward to the national finals later this month when they will take on other regional winners from areas such as London, Manchester and Liverpool.

“They’re in what’s called the pre-academy group, so Carlisle United can keep an eye on them – [the club] can’t sign kids until they’re eight,” Dan added.

“Simmo has sent a good luck message through to them which is fantastic.

“It’s great that they’re getting recognised and it’s a hell of an achievement for them.”

The 3v3 final, where the St George’s Cup is up for grabs, is on August 27.