Ref. 29753-17Football-mad Even Swindon Junior School has won a special award for its dedication to the beautiful game.

The Football Association has given the school a Charter Standard Award, which will see it win extra resources and on-going support for soccer.

The sport is already a big part of the school's curriculum and children are also encouraged to take part in after-school clubs.

Many hope to follow in the footsteps of former Even Swindon pupil and Swindon Town star Ernie Hunt, who played in the 1960s.

"This school thrives on football the children love it and the staff love it," said PE teacher Wayne Smith.

Yesterday, as the school was formally presented with its Award by Wiltshire FA secretary Mike Benson, pupils were keen to express their love of the game.

Several of them, like 11-year-old Adam Jefferies, said they hoped to become professional players when they got older.

"I like playing for fun and competitively, and football's better than other sports because you're active all the time," he said.

Chelsea fan Ryan Selby, 11, said: "I've been playing football since I was six and I like it a lot,."

The girls were every bit as enthusiastic as the boys, proving that what was once a man's game now firmly straddles the gender divide.

"It's good fun and really sporty and we're better than the boys," said 10-year-old Hannah Curtis.

It is hoped the FA's Award will bring the school extra resources and training to boost its football provision. The FA has already supplied new goalposts, nets and balls and a new team kit.

To win the Charter Award the school had to prove it was teaching teamwork as well as core football skills. Barry Stephens of the Wiltshire FA said the scheme was about giving children fun and enjoyment and a taste for the game. Helping create future England stars would be a bonus, he added.

On hand to give his support yesterday was Leigh Mills, a youth team player for Swindon Town, who this year captained England's under-16 side. Last week he turned down a move to Everton, preferring to stay at Town.

"The quicker you can get coaching and get into the atmosphere of football the better footballer you can become," said the 16-year-old central defender, who began playing when he was nine.

Even Swindon Junior is not the only school in town to win the FA's Charter Award. Other recipients are Brookfield, Westrop and Eldene primaries, Greendown Community School and Dorcan Technology College.

Andy Tate