May 2011

During and after the trophy final between Carlisle United and Brentford in April, the competition was busy away from the pitch, calling on children to design new football tops in a novel new initiative.

Hundreds of pupils hit the back of the net in the fashion stakes with all manner of stylish entries, and are now looking forward to receiving some trophy themed prizes.

Pupils at Lionel Primary School and Green Dragon School in Brentford - along with Hampton Junior School in Middlesex - showed some impressive teamwork to coincide with the Bees’ visit to Wembley.

Meanwhile, youngsters at Stanwix School, Upperby Primary School and St Cuthbert’s Catholic School were making their mark in Cumbria.

After hundreds of entries were sent to the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, a team of panellists decided that Idris Driver’s creation from Lionel Primary School was number one, along with Lee Graham’s effort at Upperby Primary School.

The pair will now win replica shirts of their choice, while 10 runners-up will win official Johnstone’s Paint Trophy replica balls from the final itself.

Johnstone’s Paint Trophy sponsorship manager Teresa Hardwick said: “The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy is always looking to bring colour to the beautiful game, so we couldn’t be happier with the success of this competition and the work every child has put in.

“We are proud of their efforts and they should be as well. It was so difficult choosing overall winners, as each and every effort was worthy of a prize.”

Every school class that entered the competition will also be sent a box of Johnstone’s Paint Trophy mini-balls for all of their creative work.

Teresa concluded: “It wasn’t just the final between Carlisle United and Brentford that was a close-run thing.

“These entries were equally competitive! We’d like to congratulate them all and thank them once again for contributing to the success of our fifth season of Johnstone’s Paint sponsorship.”

Johnstone’s. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.