Congratulations to Marle Place Wanderers under-12s who have won a National Fair Play award from the Football Association.

The boys received a full England kit courtesy of the FA for their sporting behaviour last season.

Manager Brian Shergold has been in charge of the Burgess Hil team for three seasons and is proud.

He said: "When we got a call from the Sussex FA saying we had won, the lads were thrilled. They were presented with the kit before our last game against Hove Rivervale.

"Once they had got the kit on, they didn't want to take it off and I had to check with the referee to make sure they could wear it.

"The shirts are all one size and the goalie top was too big for Nick Pitcher. He couldn't play in it and he was a bit upset."

Wanderers won the game 6-2 largely thanks to man-of-the-match and hat-trick hero Nathan Miles but Shergold insisted all the boys are heroes.

He said: "I tell them you don't have to have any skill to foul an opponent and we always try to play fair. The boys play with a smile on their faces and it is a real pleasure to work with them."

The prize has presented a few problems.

Shergold said: "I run a squad of 19 and there are more that train, but we got given 18 shirts.

"They have the fair play logo on them and they look good but we want to get some more in different sizes.

"Having been one of the bigger boys at school I know what it is like trying to squeeze into a top. Some of the boys will have to grow into them. But with England doing so well I'll expect they'll get a lot of use."

Pitcher confessed he was delighted with his new kit, even if it is too big for him.

He said: "When we heard we had won the prize we were surprised. We always try to play fair and once we had the kit on we did play better. We thought we were England Internationals."

Nick's favourite player is David Beckham. But do not expect all the players to go and get his name put on the back of their new shirts.

The 11-year-old said: "Some of the team think he is a bit stupid."

The new kit was presented to the squad by the Sussex FA chairman Ron Pavey.

Shergold said: "One of the things Mr Pavey said was that the biggest problem they have with youth football is the parents.

"Our parents are excellent, they don't get carried away and start swearing.

"The adults set a good example and the players are clearly following it."

Ken Benham, the Sussex FA chief executive, explained how the award came about.

He said: "We take into account the average number of goals scored per game, the attitude of the parents and the officials and disciplinary record of the club to decide which youth team deserves the fair play award for Sussex. The FA in Soho Square then ratify it and they sort out the prizes.

"Marle Place Wanderers are deserved winners.

"All the kids show an understanding of the laws of the game and try to play in a sporting manner."

Benham also admitted the Sussex FA are thinking about introducing fair play awards for all ages.