Volleyball enthusiasts from St Bede’s High School in Blackburn dominated proceedings at the 2011 North West Volleyball Tournament in Manchester.

Six boys teams from the school, made up of three U14s and three U16s, represented Blackburn Rovers Community Trust in the Premier League 4 Sport (PL4S) competition.

Despite stiff competition from Manchester United, Bolton, Wigan, Everton and Manchester City, as well as special guests Newcastle and Middlesbrough, there was an all-Rovers final to decide who would lift the U14 title.

St Bede’s C team clinched the trophy after beating St Bede’s A, with the prize being presented by Manchester United mascot Fred the Red.

Rovers also reached the final of the U16 event after winning all their group games, but unfortunately were beaten by the narrowest of margins, 21-20, by Wigan Athletic.

Claire Newton, PL4S coordinator at Blackburn Rovers Community Trust, said: “It was a fantastic event, which was very well organised, and with some outstanding volleyball played.

“Over the last few months, the boys have been training hard under the watchful eye of coach Dave Pilkington and for some, it was their first time playing competitive volleyball.”