PENISTONE Grammar School’s football team have netted a place as finalists at this year’s Young Champions awards.

The school’s year 11 football team have a lot to be proud of - alongside performing well academically, the lads secured victory at last year’s Barnsley Schools Football Finals, which took place on May 23, at Oakwell.

Last year’s game was an equal triumph for the school’s other teams, being united in victory with the year eight boys and under-15 girls.

Coached by their head of year and PE teacher, Matthew Squires, the young teammates have shared the pitch since year seven.

Daniel Neilson, one of the team’s players, has admitted he aspires to become a professional footballer.

He said: “I started playing football when I was about four, just kicking the ball in the back garden with my dad.

“I really enjoyed it so my dad took me for trials at a local club.

“When I was on the pitch when I was little I used to get nervous, but I’ve grown a lot in confidence since then.

“I got a trial at Barnsley Academy under-12s and since then that’s been my main focus.

“I’ve got another two years with them full-time, so I’m really excited for that.

“For me, I’ve been putting my effort into my education while I’ve been focusing on football because I’m trying to make a career out of it.

“I hope in the next few years I’ll make my first team debut for Barnsley FC.

“My dream club to play for is Manchester City because I’ve watched them since I was young.

“It felt good to win at Oakwell with our team in front of a big crowd last year, it gave us a boost in confidence.

“We got to the final this year too and it will be a good game against Horizon.

“We’ll definitely stay in touch even once we’ve left school.”