Cumbrian junior football teams are set to play at St George’s Park after qualifying for the national finals of a tournament.

Under-7 teams from Carlisle City, Penrith and Abbeytown will compete in the 3v3 finals at the national football centre later this month.

They have won through regional qualifying competitions to get their chance to play at the England teams’ training ground.

A team of Carlisle City youngsters were the latest to book their place at last Sunday’s event at Newton Rigg hosted by Danny Grainger’s Cumbria Football Academy.

Alfie Nichols, Oliver Mallinson, William Brough and Seb Walby won all their group games before winning their semi-final and final.

They will now head to St George’s Park at Burton on August 31.

“There will be teams there from all over the country and it’s an amazing opportunity for these lads,” said coach Jim Nichols.

“They’ve done really well to have this chance. They’ve done themselves proud by getting there, but hopefully they can put on a real display to show what capabilities they've got.

“I don’t think they’d particularly heard of St George’s Park until Sunday, but now the realisation is setting in that it’s where their heroes train.

“It potentially could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them, so hopefully they embrace it and enjoy it.”

Nichols added that the chance to play at St George’s Park will hold further appeal.

“You never know who’s watching these tournaments – if you have a really good tournament, you never know where it can take you.”

The 3v3 national grand finals are held at St George’s Park on Saturday, August 31. The event involves ten age groups from under-6 to under-15.