Treble winners set another standard

GLORIOUS fledgling footballers have hit the back of the net for a fourth time after scoring a national award for excellence.

The Football Association has a charter standard for schools to achieve, but also has a special award for those who don’t only meet the standard — but excel.

And for the last three years, St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Shaw has won the North-West of England award. Now they have been crowned national champs.

The youngsters’ local heroes Latics were quick to offer their rewards and hosted the school, letting the children watch training at Chapel Road and chat with players before giving them a guided tour of Boundary Park.

There, the youngsters were presented with the gong and a signed Latics shirt.

The fun didn’t end there as pupils were then given tickets to Sunday’s League One game against Hereford United.

Meanwhile, Manchester City have provided 50 tickets to one of their Premier League matches.

And head teacher Andrew Dickinson and deputies Steve Hill and Gary Needle are off to Wembley on Saturday to be wined and dined by the FA. They will receive an official presentation before watching England’s World Cup qualifier against former Soviet minnows Kazakhstan.

A delighted Mr Dickinson said: “I’m thrilled. In education, in sport, indeed in life itself, you tend to get out of it what you put in.

“The school and children achieved some of the very highest standards in football because of their attitude and involvement.”

On the visit to Boundary Park, he added: “Latics were wonderful hosts. I can’t thank chief executive Alan Hardy and manager John Sheridan enough. We were treated to a question and answer session and Sheridan was outstanding — I’m sure he would make a wonderful teacher.”