FIVE young footballers, all with contracts at Manchester United’s Academy went back to celebrate where it all started for them, as the Gimme 5s football project celebrated its Tenth Birthday.

The scheme was introduced by Stewart Hamer, Sale United’s club development officer, following a demand for football training for the under 5s.

On its 10th anniversary almost 100 current and past members of the program celebrated with non-stop football matches at Crossford Bridge Sports Ground.

And one of the four attendees of that very first session ten years ago , Luke Wilson now 15, returned to cut the special birthday cake which was enjoyed by all those present.

Stewart Hamer, who devised the programme said “ it was great to see so many past players come back to say hello, and even some of the many coaches who have helped over the years dropped by to share in the occasion”

“We had several football games running concurrently and at one time I saw Luke Wilson, one of the original members, playing in goal on a pitch where five Manchester United Academy members were playing alongside many other of our past members”

“It was especially good to have Luke back with us, who has since switched sports to play in goal for Brooklands Sports Lacrosse team.”

* Anyone interested in finding out more about the Gimme 5s project should call Stewart on 07801 966620 or visit the web site www.gimme5s.co.uk.