The 11-year-old was playing in an after-school match at Peel Common Junior School in Gosport when she tripped yesterday.

She hurt her neck and back in the fall.

Paramedics called for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

The helicopter landed in the field where the girl was being treated and she was strapped to a spinal board as her worried parents stayed by her side.

The girl was flown to Southampton General Hospital's neurological unit for treatment.

Today the youngster was having x-rays and being observed by doctors. It has not yet been confirmed how serious her injuries are.

Alison Brumfitt, South Central Ambulance spokeswoman, said: 'We were called to a girl complaining of back and neck pain.

'The crews were unable to tell how serious the injuries were and always treat for the worst-case scenario when treating people with neck or back injuries.'

Doreen Adcock, 66, of The Curve, Gosport, said: 'I was inside when I heard the noise of the helicopter and came out to see what was going on.

'It was hovering over the school so I went to see what was happening and someone said a girl had been hurt playing football.

'It's awful to think a child could be so seriously injured just playing a game of football. I do hope she's alright and the air ambulance was just a precaution.'