Zena Dove loves football – and being a girl doesn’t stop her determination to become the next David Beckham.

According to her mum Jackie, the nine-year-old was told she couldn’t play in the boys tournament held at Hundred of Hoo School, on Tuesday afternoon.

But nothing could stop the Manchester United fan as she put on a cap and covered her long blonde hair from teachers.

In the end, persistence paid off as she dropped the disguise and joined in with the lads from her school, St Helens, at the mini tournament.

Wainscott Primary School narrowly beat Hoo St Werburgh Primary School to the trophy by a single goal in the six-team competition.

Organiser Matt Mundie, a school sport co-ordinator and PE teacher, said the annual tournament, called Peninsula Football, had been a great success.

He said: “It was a really good atmosphere and a brilliant competition.”

Zena’s mum added: “The team (St Helens) did really well winning three of their five games.

“She didn’t score, but she made a good tackle and pass, and collected the team certificates after the match.”

And, with a bright career ahead of her, Zena’s next stop could be her local team, Cliffe Royals.

Her mum said: “She has worked so hard so I think she deserves it."