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First time for everything as boys lift trophy

31/ 7/2002

A JUNIOR football team from Blackley has won its first ever trophy.

St Clares Athletic won the prestigious Chaddy End Under 12s six-a-side tournament.

The squad, which had not won a single trophy in its four-year history, beat Middleton Boys on penalties to win the event after full time had ended with a 1-1 stalemate.

Manager Leo Turner said the team was determined to keep to winning ways.

"We are all absolutely delighted with the result," he said. "We have had a lot of tough times over the years but we have kept going. I think this win is testament to the club's superb attitude."

St Clares held trials at the end of last season in the hope of bringing in new talent. They recruited players from Blackley, Crumpsall, Collyhurst, Middleton, and Miles Platting.

Mr Turner added: "At the end of last season the lads and the club decided they had had enough of being on the wrong side of every result, and decided that this year was going to be their best ever."

The youngsters were pitted against 12 local teams during the gruelling ten-hour competition in Shaw.

Mr Turner said: "All the lads thoroughly enjoyed the day and hope that this was a major turning point for the club." Mr Turner added that each player will be taking the trophy home for one month.