City stars give Bristol Schools squad a kick-start

Bristol City players Liam Fontaine and Adriano Basso gave a helping hand to youngsters who will be representing Bristol schools as they showed their backing for football's Kick It Out campaign.

The Ashton Gate duo were on hand to support the newly-selected Bristol Schools Under-11 squad as they did their bit to get the anti-racist message across.

The final squad of 17 was chosen from more than 50 boys who attended trials and they will play their home games at Clifton College's sports ground.

Manager Gavin Ellington said: "One thing I wanted to put across to the boys and their parents is what an honour it is to be selected for your county schools team – I think this is something that has been forgotten with the influx of academies.

"The boys will be competing in the Cotswold Schools League, where the standard will be high, but I believe I have chosen the best squad to do well."

On the squad's backing for Kick It Out, he added: "I believe that whatever background you come from, football is a great way to help integrate society. If you can teach the boys at grass roots level that racism or any other form of prejudice is not acceptable, they will hopefully spread the word."

Kick It Out spokesman Danny Lynch said: "We're delighted with the success of this event. Football is a superb tool to bring youngsters together and, in an area like Bristol where so many communities thrive, it is initiatives like this that can make a difference."

Bristol Schools Under-11s squad: George Dowling, Pierce Rogerson (Cheddar Grove Primary), Connor Sheehan, Lewis Ellington (Bridge Farm Primary), Joshua Greenbury (Clifton College Prep), Tyler Barnes (St Mary Redcliffe Primary), Dean Howlett (Greenfield Primary), Mason Hardridge (Luckwell Primary), Jacob Maddox (Begbrook Primary), Saul Jarrett (Headley Park Primary), Regan Sollars (St Bernadette Primary), Terrel Patterson (May Park Primary), George Jones (Perry Court Junior), Jake Jones (Avon Primary), Sami Karahan (Hollymeads Junior), Owen Barry (Bridge Learning Campus), Jack Godfrey (St Peter's Primary).