FURNESS Schools can look back on a year to remember on the football field, after gaining national plaudits for their exploits.

In what was a remarkable period for the area’s brightest stars, schools produced a number of outstanding performances.

Not only did they claim victory in a number of county competitions, they also shone nationally.

It was a sensational victory for the North Walney Year 5 and 6 team as they defeated a number of teams from across the land to claim the Danone Nations Cup which capped a great year, as they were crowned the best seven-a-side outfit in the land.

That success, added to a superb display from the Barrow Schools at the Northern England seven-a-side finals – where they narrowly lost to the eventual winners Liverpool – was among the highlights of a strong season.

At county level, Barrow dominated proceedings, as combined schools teams claimed both the boys and girls County Championships.

They dominated as individual schools as well, with St Paul’s securing victory in the Year 3 and 4 County Championships, and Yarlside School came out on top at the Cumbria seven-a-side tournament.

A number of area tournaments were also held throughout the year, with the main prizes split between the schools, highlighting the quality throughout.

North Walney, fresh from their Lilleshall high, won the Dick McIntosh Trophy at Pulse, while South Walney won the five-a-side girls competition.

St Paul’s added the Gerry Holland Trophy and Holy Family were victors at the Joe Humphries five-a-side tournament.

St James were close to making it a cup double in the space of two weeks, claiming the girls six-a-side KO Cup before sharing the boys version with Victoria a week later after a pulsating final.

At the last two events, Newbarns secured a fully deserved seven-a-side league title, and Yarlside won the Derek Morgan Memorial Trophy.

Greengate Junior School teacher Neil Irving said on behalf of the Barrow Primary Schools Football Association: “We would like to thank the teachers, coaches and parents who give up their time to enable the children to take part.

“A huge thanks must also go to Keith Holmes and his team at Pulse Soccer – this venue has helped revolutionise schools football in Barrow and open up football to hundreds of children.

“Finally, and most importantly, thank you to the children for providing us with great entertainment and skill over the year.”