STUDENT footballers continue to show they are leagues ahead of their competitors after securing eight places in the county squad.

Six of those selected from Priestley College for the Cheshire Schools Under 18s were also called up for England trials – including first year, Joe Sacharewicz, who made the final round.

Priestley’s first-team captain Elliot Whalley, who studies A-level PE and BTEC business, said their success was down to the professionalism instilled at Priestley.

“Our coaches really put the time in,” said the former Culcheth High pupil.

“They have prepared diet plans for all of us and always keep us grounded and working hard.”

Priestley’s success on the pitch has built in recent years under the guidance of Dan Jordan, head of the Football Academy, and former professional academy coach Josh Greaves.

Last year Priestley won the North West Colleges' Leagues One and Two, and reached the national final, losing narrowly 2-1 in a match played at Doncaster Rovers’ stadium.

Declan Scallan, who also plays in Priestley’s first team, said: “We want to go one step further this year and win the whole thing.

“We have a lot of talented footballers here at Priestley, but we also have personality and you need that at the trials to help you stand out.”

Priestley are well positioned to make another tilt at this year’s league titles and face Cardinal Newman College in the next round of the national cup.