On Saturday 10 May our Under 13, U14 and Under 16 football teams travelled to the St James Playing Fields in Paisley in search of league glory. 

Each team faced opponents who were keen to write their own name into the history books but the St Ninian’s boys did brilliantly to win an unprecedented three league titles on an incredible morning for the school.

The U13 football team won 7-0 versus Glennifer, the U14’s won 8-1 versus Williamwood and the U16’s won 5-1 versus Paisley Grammar. 

Hopefully there is more to come in the next few weeks as all of the teams have qualified for their own St Mirren Cup Finals plus the U14 football team have reached the Scottish Cup Final on Monday 19 May, 7pm KO at the Excelsior Stadium. 

More photos from this day are on the school football Twitter account @snhsfootball

Congratulations to Frankie O’Donnell (2a4) and Lauren Matthews (5a3) who have been selected to carry the Commonwealth Baton in the Queen’s Baton Relay.

We wish them all the best with this once in a lifetime experience!

Congratulations to Niamh McBride (3a8) and the rest of the Scotland squad who won the Celtic Cup on Saturday 29 March.

FEB Points Class of the Year

Back in February, I was lucky to be given a chance to go to a Gateway Event at Eastwood High School.  With my Mum, Dad and two little brothers.  I spent a couple of hours experiencing different sports including judo and basketball.  At this event, I was spotted by an assistant coach who suggested I represent St Ninian’s High School at the Paralympic Pathways Festival at Ravenscraig.  I couldn’t believe I’d been given this opportunity and was really keen to show any scouts what I could do on a football pitch!

On Tuesday 11 March, I arrived at school at 8.30am and met Mr Capuano who was waiting for us all.  A mini bus took Paul Eadie, Jack Schofield, Bethany Chrystal, Charlotte Taylor, Mr Capuano and I to Ravenscraig Sports complex.  I was allocated a yellow t-shirt and throughout the day I was given opportunities to experience familiar sports like football, table tennis, rowing, athletics and judo, as well as more unusual events such as wheelchair basketball and boccia.  Wheelchair basketball was very frustrating for me; it was tricky because I have hemiplegic cerebral palsy down my right side and moving the wheel was hard.  I’m very fortunate to have a mild form of CP but it made me realise how strong and determined paralympic athletes are.

 The highlight of my day was when I was approached by an assistant coach who had been watching my football performance.  He asked if I’d like to go to Stirling for a trial with the Scottish CP Football Team.  I jumped at the chance and was determined to make it count.

On Sunday I spent the day at Stirling Albion’s football ground where I met the whole team.  Robert and David, two team members made me feel really welcome.  They currently train with the Paralympic Squad.  I got to take part in some drills (passing, dribbling and shooting), and in a match I scored a hat-trick!  David, the coach, caught up with me afterwards to congratulate me and asked if I’d like to come back on the May 25 !

 I’d like to thank Mr Capuano, all the leaders at The Paralympic Festival and everyone associated with the Scottish CP Football Team for giving me these opportunities.  Who knows what my future in football will hold!

 Matthew Wynne 1a8

Well done to Orla McGowan and Marianne McPhee 5th Year  who raised money for Youth to Lourdes.

Congratulations to former pupil Callum Gallagher who scored on his debut for Rangers first team in their 2-0 victory over Dunfermline at Ibrox.  The match was screened live across the UK by Sky Sports.  Callum represented St Ninian’s throughout his time at school and was a key part of the team who won the Paisley and District League and Cup double in 2010.

We wish Callum every success in his future career.

Well done to Sara Ingles (2a2) who won silver in the 200m relay at the Scottish Athletics Indoor League final.

Congratulations to the U14 and U16 football teams who have both reached the Semi Finals of the Scottish Shield.

The U14 football team won 2-1 versus Braidhurst High School on Wednesday 12 March and will now play the winner of St Ambrose v Graeme High School.

The U16 football team won 2-1 versus Grange Academy on Tuesday 11 March and will now play Holyrood.

Details of both Semi Final matches will be posted on the website and school Twitter as soon as they are confirmed.

Saint Ninian’s were represented at the Paralympics Pathway Festival held at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility on Tuesday 11 March by the following pupils; Bethany Chrystal (3a5), Paul Eadie (3a3), Jack Schofield (2a6), Charlotte Taylor (1a9) and Matthew Wynne (1a8).

All pupils participated excellently in nine different sports. Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boccia, Football, Judo, Rowing, Table Tennis and Tennis.

Some of our pupils have been identified as talented athletes and will hopefully begin their pathway to Paralympic success.

Photos of this event can be seen on the school Twitter account www.twitter.com/stninianshigh