Stew-Mel and MES savour recognition for football

On the other hand, hearing the clatter of a hockey stick or the aggressive roar of a rugby scrum was simply part and parcel of the school's ethos. It may therefore come as a revelation that the junior school has won April's Lloyds TSB Scotland School of the Month award - for excellent achievements of the boys and girls football teams. The Primary 7 boys squad qualified for the final of the National Soccer Sevens while their younger counterparts, the Primary 6 squad, secured the National Junior Sevens title by defeating St Machan's of Lennoxtown 7-0 in the final.

Not to be outdone, the two girls' squads have also performed to an exceptional standard. The Primary 4/5 team remained undefeated in league competition this season and the Primary 6/7 squad achieved a place in the semi-finals of the Edinburgh Summer Cup having already collected silverware this season by winning the Sciennes Autumn Cup in October.

Richard Allison, a principal teacher and football co-ordinator, reflects on the development of the sport since its inception at the school just over ten years ago, and believes the continuity of the squads has proved pivotal in delivering such success.

Mr Allison said: "When I arrived at the school at the turn of the millennium, there was no football played whatsoever. There was very much a perception that any school in the independent sector only participated in sports such as rugby and cricket.

"But I found there to be a huge enthusiasm amongst the children to start playing football. Some of the boys for example have been playing together for three or four years now so they really have gelled as a team and we are now reaping the rewards."

Mr Allison admits the biggest issue was finding an appropriate time and location to accommodate the children's desire in launching a club where competitive football could take place. With a large share of the school's pupils representing Mary Erskine and Stewart's Melville in other sporting avenues, the demand for pitch use and apparatus is extreme to say the least. "I wanted to give the boys and girls a chance to play against other primary schools in Edinburgh.

"I'm involved in running all the football clubs within the school but I have a few people that help out now and then. But the problem, like any school, is finding a suitable time and facilities available for training and matches. For example, the only time I can take the primary 6/7 girls for training is before school on a Thursday morning at half past seven."It's a lot of work but I love doing it."

In recognition of the boys' success in particular, the presence of football scouts at recent matches has provided a daunting, yet exhilarating prospect. With a selection of players already on the books of both Hibs and Hearts, and the school's thriving links with the Scottish Schools FA, the progression of grass-roots football at the school is one that continues to shine.

Allison observed: "The children are just so keen and want to play but we do possess some very good talent. There's about three or four players from the age groups we coach who are signed with professional clubs. We've forged good links on a national front as well and a few of our players have been asked to go along for trials so it's very encouraging."

Presenting the award at a recent school ceremony on behalf of Lloyds TSB Scotland's sponsorship team was Mark McGuiness, who was eager to stress the achievement for a school not accredited with a sports history engulfed by 'the Beautiful Game'.

Mr McGuiness said: "A sincere congratulations must go to Mary Erskine and Stewart's Melville for winning this award. All of the school's squads have shown exceptional skill and dedication to their sport and to have two teams reach a national final with one securing victory is a fantastic achievement."