A SOCCER-mad youngster has proved she can cut it with the best by becoming the first girl in her league's history to win an individual award.

Eight-year-old Ellie Guant, of Salisbury Road, Radcliffe, was named the league's goalkeeper of the year after finishing an impressive season with under eights side Bury North End Tigers.

And what makes the achievement even more impressive is that Ellie earned the safe hands' award in her first-ever season playing football. It is the first time a girl has won an individual award in the league in its 34-year history.

The Chesham Primary School pupil joined the new team last August after being inspired by her Bury FC hero Kasper Schmeichel.

Her dad, Gareth, who works at Bury FC, said: "Her mum Emma and I are so proud of her. She has been coming to see Bury and really loves seeing Kasper play and she was eager to become a goalkeeper herself.

"She is the only girl in her team but has never let it phase her. If she gets a knock, she gets straight back up again and just gets on with it. Her coach Colin Mason has been brilliant with her and now she is talking about being a footballer when she grows up after watching the women's FA Cup final on television."

Ellie was presented with her trophy at the club's awards ceremony on Sunday.