THE challenge of competing and beating the best does not get easier for Ribble Valley Netball Club Under 14s given the size of the catchment area in comparison to their big city peers, but it is one they are ready to take on ... and win.

After all, winning has become a habit for the girls, who are gathered from various pockets of East Lancashire, including Blackburn, Burnley, Accrington and, of course, the Ribble Valley itself.

It has been one high after another over the last 12 months, in which they have won no fewer than seven tournaments both home and abroad – including being crowned England national champions.

The all-conquering girls’ team beat rivals Tameside 23-22 in the national final.

Other notable successes were winning the Paris 2014 Tournament and being crowed North West champions, which all led to the team being crowned Junior Team of the Year at the Grassroots Heroes Awards.

Team manager Heather Wilkinson puts much of that success down sheer dedication, both on and off the court.

“A lot of our girls play for Lancashire academy, the regional academy and for Manchester Thunder, as well as for our clubs,” said Heather, who noted that barely a day goes by without the girls playing netball in some shape or form.

“It is full on. For them to achieve that they’ve achieved that’s the commitment they have to give. Our girls give 100 per cent.

“We owe a big thank you to head coach, Sara Thompson, too.

“She, and the other coaches, have dedicated so much time and effort to the girls. Without her we wouldn’t be where we are now.”

Heather described winning the Grassroots Heroes Junior Team of the Year as “a great honour”, adding: “It’s a nice achievement to be acknowledged and show it’s not just football that gets these awards. it’s other sports that are recognised too.

“They’ve tried so hard and worked so hard as a team.”

And Heather has backed the girls to stay together and achieve even more in the next two years, when they hope to progress to the Under 16s national title.

Preparations will be relentless, not to mention costly for this self-funded organisation.

From the kit to travel expenses - including fuel and minibus hire - everything is paid for by players’ families.

n Anyone interested in providing sponsorship for Ribble Valley Netball Club can contact Janet Kay on 07908 691235 or either mail nick.kay@o2.co.uk