School for football stars
A As the World Cup reaches its final stages Sarah Stoner today blows the whistle of some of the Sunderland schoolboys who grew up to become soccer stars.
FORMER PE teacher Mick Winter is hoping to score big for charity – after penning a b book featuring one Wearside school’s stunning contribution to the world of f football.
Dozens of St Aidan’s pupils – including Steve and Lee Howey, Kevin Dillon, Mick Hazard, Tommy Baldwin and Mick Harford – h have made their names on the field over the decades.
And still more have carved careers off the p pitch – from Jimmy Shoulder’s management of the Australian National Team to Paul Redman working for FIFA at this year’s World Cup.
Now Mick is hoping to raise money for cancer research after documenting the a achievements of scores of past pupils in his n new book; St Aidan’s Academy of Soccer 1948- 2014.
Player profiles, features, interviews and exclusive photos are all included in the 51- page volume, which will be launched this Saturday at a reunion for former students.
“Someone once dubbed St Aidan’s an “academy of soccer” – because of the sheer number of footballers it has produced over the years,” said Mick, both a pupil and teacher at the school.
W“There are no real figures to go on, but I believe St Aidan’s is probably the top school in the North East for football. The school has seen dozens of boys go on to work in the game.”
Among the former pupils to merit a mention in Mick’s book is Kevin Dillon, who played for England Under 21s, as well as Birmingham, Portsmouth and Newcastle – before managing Aldershot Town.
Former Spurs captain Mick Hazard, Sunderland star Kevin Arnott, Burnley’s Kevin Young, St Mirren player Barrie Wardrobe and Bradford City’s Gavin Oliver are also featured.
So, too, are more recent players – such as SAFC defender Gareth Mordey, who became director of Dubai Football Academy, and Grimsby’s Jamie Clarke, now a coach in Thailand.
Others of note include brothers Lee and Steve Howey – Lee with SAFC, Steve with NUFC - and Gerry Donoghue, who became an international team assessor manager Graham Taylor.
And a special tribute is also p brave and sporty ex- pupils – so Donnini, Nathan Cuthbertson a – who all gave their lives while country.
“I believe the school’s footba over the decades has come from teaching, a willingness by pupil learn, keen staff and just plain h said Mick.
“It was the aim of the Christi when they took over the school develop the physical, as well as aspects of pupils. This ambition success.
“Our boys, in the main, were be given the opportunity to play they were fortunate to have a v staff who wanted them to reach stars.”
Mick has not, however, just i who went on to professional fo Indeed, he profiles several of th teachers, such as Great War her Luke Bellanti.
Special mention is made, too teacher Mick O’Brien – who wo a Redcoat at Butlins, before ste sporting curriculum at St Aidan success in the 1960s.
“Our sports record just goes if you’ve got a dream, go for it!”
“You don’t have to be a footb in football. There are some ama off the pitch too.
“I hope my book shows peop much St Aidan’s has given to th world, and how proud we shou school. It really has done treme for sport.”
Mick’s book, St Aidan’s Aca Soccer 1948- 2014, costs £ 7 and launched at an Old Boys Reuni Saturday. The event will be held School Hall from 7.30pm. All w