A YOUNGSTER has picked up a footballing award at the semi-finals of a national football competition.

John Farnworth, aged 16, is a member of the Brazilian Soccer Schools Bolton team who narrowly missed out at the UK and Ireland Futebol de Sal£o championships, in the LEGO Cup finals in Trafford.

John, from Preston travels to George Tomlinson High School, in Kearsley, three times a week to take part in training sessions.

The team led by head coach Brian Leech, entered the finals as favourites to lift the coveted award but missed out by just one place on qualification from a strong group which included eventual champions Swindon.

Head coach of Brazilian Soccer Schools Bolton, Brian Leech, said: "I am thrilled at how well the boys performed and that we are one of the leading teams at this Under 16 age group in the UK."