Football: Bending it like Beckham; Monkseaton scholarship starlets getting a real kick out of US soccer success

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), Dec 1, 2007

DAVID BECKHAM is not the only Englishman making it big on a soccer pitch in the USA.

Tynesiders Phil Bannister and Eddie Dines both won scholarships to Loyola University in Baltimore this summer - and have since been massively successful.

At the Rookie of the Year Awards, the former Monkseaton High School pupils stole the show, striker Bannister voted Rookie of the Year and midfielder Dines included in the Rookie Team of the Year.

The teenage duo, from Whitley Bay, were also part of the Baltimore side which qualified for the National Championships for the first time in 10 years.

They were both on the scoresheet helping Baltimore to progress to the second round of the national cup.

Bannister and Dines, who arrived in America in August, were part of the highly-successful Monkseaton Academy team which won the National English Schools Trophy two years running.

They follow a number of boys from the school who have won soccer scholarships in the United States.

The pair, who also played for Whitley Bay Boys Club, are in the first year of four-year scholarships at Loyola.

Monkseaton Community High School is recognised as one of the country's leading football and academic establishments, offering boys the opportunity to study for A levels and BTEC National Diplomas and has very close links with universities in America.

In addition, the Academy's success on the football field has brought the team success both locally and nationally.

A large number of players have represented Northumberland Schools Under-18s and earlier this year Bannister and Tom Wilson represented England Schoolboys.

The current Monkseaton High School side are also enjoying success as national under-18s school champions.

CAPTION(S):

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: The current Monkseaton Community High School Academy side (above) are the reigning national school under-18 champions; ON THE BALL: Eddie Dines; ON THE BALL: Phil Bannister; MY BALL: Seahouses (right) and Alnmouth clash at under-12 level in the North North/landbased Glendale League PICTURE: STEVE MILLER; SHARE OF THE SPOILS: Seaton Burn (lighter shirts) drew 4-4 with Wansbeck Juniors in Division Four of the Pin Point Recruitment NABC Under-13 League PICTURE: STEWART PRINCE