Rawcliffe Under-12s footballers have undergone a radical swing in fortune.

Recent seasons have been laced with frustration, with a run of top five finishes in the league and numerous cup semi-final and final defeats.

But the 2005-06 season has already got off to a winning start for Rawcliffe after they triumphed in the City Football Development Tournament. Taking that form into the league, they are presently still unbeaten in the U12s Mitchell League in which they lie in second place.

Coach Ian Smallwood explained: "Glen Phillips and I have coached the team since U7s level and have shared in the lads' frustration with our lack of fortune. They are a great set of lads who have been together since we started in 2000, with the majority now forming the Canon Lee school team."

Recognition of the team's performances have culminated in nominations for the Mitchell League representative side.

The team are about to embark on another tilt at the North Riding FA County Cup and hopes are high after reaching last season's quarter-finals and this season's encouraging start.

Updated: 09:26 Saturday, October 22, 2005