GEMMA Schofield has made Warburton's Youth League history after becoming the first girl to win a player of the season award.

The 10-year-old Ighten Leigh star was handed her Outstanding Player award at a presentation night held at the Hargreaves Stand at Turf Moor.

And Gemma's performances during the season have also earned her a place at Burnley Football Club's Centre of Excellence.

What makes her award even more remarkable is that Ighten Leigh finished bottom of their division.

Team manager Francis Pollard said: "Gemma is a fantastic little player. She plays in midfield and while she does not score that many goals, she is a real battler and loves to get stuck in.

"It is one thing for her to shine in a team that is not doing that well but to win a league award is a real credit to her.

"She thoroughly deserves it."

He added: "Getting picked up by the School of Excellence just shows how good she can be.

"The only problem now is that she is too old to play for my team next season which will be a great loss to us."

Her mother Kathryn is naturally delighted.

She said: "Not only does she compete with the boys she has shown she is better than them.

"We're thrilled for her and getting picked for Burnley's School of Excellence was the icing on the cake."