MATTHIOLA under 16s have a claim as being the most successful side to come out of the Warrington Junior Football League.

As the impressive Great Sankey team prepare for their next chapter, they can look back on a glorious period in association with one of the biggest set-ups in the country.

From 2010 to 2017 they have been a dominant force in the top flight, with a roll of honour showing 15 competition wins and five runners-up spots.

Their glories include three Premiership titles, including this season’s table-topping triumph, and a bucketload of cup celebrations.

And all of this has been achieved in, or representing, a league with more than 40 years of history and currently consisting of more than 75 clubs across the age groups.

But manager Dean Sutton said it is not just the silverware that makes the team so special.

“They have always played the game in the correct way with style, class, dignity and respect, but most of all with a smile on the faces win, draw or defeat. We are all very proud of them,” said the 57-year-old sales manager from Great Sankey.

Sutton said the secret to the team’s success cannot be pinpointed to one area but is a compilation of factors.

“Teamwork, willingness to learn, playing football the right way from the back to the front,” he said.

“Talking to each other all of the time. Helping one another out, encouraging one another, praising one another, and helping each other on how they can make changes so the same mistakes aren’t made again.”

And he points to other qualities in the make-up of the squad too.

“Loyalty, along with playing for each other, commitment to excellence in everything they do,” he said.

“Their goal has always been to achieve at the highest level. And this commitment has been held throughout the team over the years.

“Although this is a game and the teams have been very successful over the years, they have always appreciated one another and show it in a variety of ways.

“The coach shows it to the players, the players show it to the coach, and the players show it to one another.

“The parents have always been proud of this team and past teams. What they have always done is show respect to other teams no matter what the score was and have always applauded all players, managers and parents from both teams for their support.”

Over the period more than 20 boys have gone on to have trials or sign up with professional club academies.

The team’s future together will be settled in the coming weeks.

Team helper Mike Saunders said: “We have a meeting planned with the players and parents at the end of the month to find out where they want to play.”

Roll of Honour

South Liverpool League winners: 2016

UK Junior Champions League Cup Finalists: 2013

Warrington Junior Football League, Premiership winners: 2017, 2014, 2013

Premiership runners up: 2010

Presidents Cup winners: 2014

Presidents Cup finalists: 2016, 2013

Challenge Cup winners: 2012, 2011, 2010

West Lancs Challenge Cup winners: 2015, 2014, 2013

Meg Boylan Cup winners: 2012, 2011, 2010

Spirit of Youth finalists: 2010

De La Salle Cup winners: 2012