Tyne and Wear HSG U16s have given their manager the perfect tonic - by becoming national champions while he recovers from Covid.
The junior team, who are based in South Shields, rattled off 10 victories at the Aces Nationals in Nottingham last weekend, while boss Paul Kirton followed the action from afar.
Paul was laid low by Coronavirus and had to rely on FaceTime and phonecall updates from coaches Mark Taylor, Wayne Davie and the players as the team triumphed in dramatic style.
Tyne and Wear, from the Northumberland Football League, beat Liverpool Britannia in a penalty shootout after the final ended in a 2-2 draw.
Goalkeeper Kieran Harwood was a double hero as he scored their final penalty and then saved the opposition's last spot kick to secure the trophy.
The tournament was invite only for 28 teams rated among the best in the country and was divdided into four groups of seven with 16 going through to the knockout stages.
Along with Kirton junior and Harwood, the team comprised Alfie Hodge, Bailey Holt, Olly Walker, McKenzie Stores, Phil Taylor, Ashton Defty, Harry Loughlin, Harry Law, Jack Waller, Harley Telford, Callum Hughes, Jake Davie, Dean Chipperfield and Matty Taylor.
Paul says the team has been together for three years and plays in red and black as a nod to Sunderland and Newcastle United, without having the full colours of either.
"It's an amazing achievement to be national champions and we're just so proud of all of the players," said Paul.
"Credit to the lads, the coaches and the parents who have worked so hard and who thoroughly deserve this trophy.
"I was gutted not to be there. I tested positive to Covid and it's knocked me about a bit to be honest, but I'm getting better now and winning this has helped!
"I couldn't be there as I had to stay at home and isolate but I felt like I was there kicking every ball with them and was on my phone all day getting updates from the team.
"I'm the first to say it's not all about winning. It's about the camaraderie and togetherness of everyone involved and that's certainly the case with our team."
