PROUD East Lancashire Football Alliance secretary Craig Wilkinson praised the “special spirit” shown by the league’s young stars in their Respectober initiative.

During Respectober, teams, managers and players were given marks by opposition players and supporters, with judges highlighting special acts of outstanding sportsmanship.

Speaking at last weekend’s prize giving at Blackburn’s Soccer Dome, Mr Wilkinson said: “Twenty-nine teams entered and they all achieved top score – I’m incredibly proud of everybody who took part, they are a credit to the league.”

Each team received a new Mitre football, while Pendle Forest Under-12 landed the main prize – a match day award to watch a league game at Turf Moor or Ewood Park.

Mr Wilkinson added: “There were so many little sporting acts, on and off the pitch that caught the judges’ attention.

“For example, two Langho players who helped the manager set up the pitch, and carried the nets out before kick-off.

“Then there was the young referee who talked and encouraged players, explaining decisions and letting the game flow, which meant the players responded.

“However, in Pendle’s fixture against Readstone the opposition goalkeeper offered his cap to an opponent, due to the bright sunshine that made seeing the ball difficult in one direction.

“They exchanged caps at half time and wished each other good luck. It was great sportsmanship shown by both sides and reflected what Respectober was all about.”

Teams who competed in the East Lancashire Football Alliance Respectober: AFC Darwen Tigers U-11; AFC Darwen U-11 Colts; Barrowford Celtic U-14 Orange; Blackburn Eagles U-13 Red; Blue Star Colts U-12; Clitheroe Wolves Yellow U-12; Crown Paints Junior U-11 Black; Darwen Rangers Lads U-12; Earby Town U-11 Black; Earby Town U-11 White; Feniscowles and Pleasington U-14; Fulledge Colts Red U-13; Great Harwood Rovers U-14; Hyndburn Youth U-13; Lammack Juniors U-13 Blue; Langho Junior U-14; Langho Junior Blue U-11; Langho Junior U-13 Blue; Oswaldtwistle St Mary’s U-16; Pendle Forest U-12; Pendle Forest U-14; Rishton United U-12 Red; Rossendale Valley Tigers U-11; St Josephs Junior U-11; Todmorden Sports Centre U-13; Whalley Junior U-11; Whalley Junior U-12; Whalley Junior U-13.