THELWALL Junior School are celebrating prestigious national basketball success.

Their Year 6 team became Hoops4Health Champions in front of parents and teachers among the 5,000 crowd at the British Basketball League play-offs event at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham on Saturday.

Thelwall won competitions in Warrington and then Cheshire in order to progress to Birmingham.

It is the first time Thelwall has had a basketball team, although the players are not without experience as they also compete for the successful Warrington South Lakers in the Ball Hall’s league in Latchford.

Warrington Wolves basketball team player/coach Delme Herriman, community coaches from Chester Jets and players’ parents all contributed to training the team and teaching the Hoops 4 Health programme skills to all pupils at the school.

“It has been a team effort but the main catalyst for the success is the children,” said Jamie Vermiglio, Year 6 teacher and acting deputy headteacher.

“They have been extremely eager to take part in a competition and now I know why.

“They are a credit to our school and we are extremely proud of them.”

At Birmingham, Thelwall were unbeaten in six games against teams from all across the country and met Glynwood Primary School from Newcastle in the final, with highlights shown on Sky television.

“The team were led out for the final like Premier League footballers, behind a big British Basketball League banner held by cheerleaders,” said headteacher Susan Robinson, “It was awesome and a very emotional experience. The children played a great game, winning 12-8 and were presented with a huge cup which will be kept in school and presented again at a celebration assembly on May 12 along with gold medals which the children get to keep.

“Many children across school have benefited from the programme and have taken a greater interest in the sport.

“The culmination of all this success has meant that the profile of school sport, in particular basketball, has been raised.

“More children than ever are participating in physical activities, sport and competitions which only encourages them towards a healthier lifestyle and enjoying sport in the future. I am extremely proud of the children and what they have achieved for this school.”