A SMALL school has proved a big shot in the football world.

Despite having a total of only 80 pupils, aged from seven to 11 years, St Bede’s RC Primary School, in Sacriston, County Durham, punches above its weight on the football field.

Under the guidance of long serving ex-head teacher Harry Thomason, who still returns to the Front Street school to regularly coach the players, the St Bede’s team has enjoyed its most successful season in memory.

It culminated in the side clinching the Chester-le-Street District Small Schools League title, following recent matches with close challengers St Benet’s RC, from Ouston, Bullion Lane and Chester-le-Street CoE.

The team added to the silverware by ending as runners-up in the Chester-le-Street District Schools’ B Division, which includes many of the larger primary schools.

Acting head teacher Catherine Harper said it was an excellent achievement considering the team has to draw players from the age of nine upwards due to its shortage of pupils.

"We must be the smallest school involved as we have mixed age classes and not many players to choose from.

"But they’ve performed really well, with Mr Thomason’s help, of course.

"It’s the first time I’m aware that we’ve won this trophy and looking at the names engraved on it, we’re not mentioned at all on the winners that are listed from 1996, until now."

Although Miss Harper said all the team was deserving of equal praise, she singled out its only female player, Georgina Burnip and goalkeeper Adam Liddle for their efforts.