RUNCORN Linnets Whites are a perfect model for turning around the fortunes of a struggling football team.

After losing most games heavily last season, the under 11s side are unbeaten in the Warrington Junior League so far during the 2018-19 campaign.

A change in the management and a commitment to hard work on and off the field are cited as reasons for the 'amazing' turnaround.

"The team were taken over by two new managers, Mike Grogan and Paul Stinchcombe, at the beginning of last season and they have put in hours of their own time to train the boys," said the team's parent representative, Kayleigh Macmillan.

"The boys stuck at it, even though it was really disheartening getting beat each week, and throughout the summer they all trained extremely hard focusing on skill, tactics and fitness.

"Part of the fitness regime was doing the 'Bleep Test' every Thursday, along with two hours of football per week."

Events off the field have brought the team together and instilled pride, too.

"The team got a generous sponsorship offer from Falcon Car Care," explained Kayleigh.

"Thanks to this kind sponsorship, each boy was kitted out with a personalised tracksuit, kit bag, football, water bottle, training gear and a new kit, moving back to the traditional green and yellow hoops after playing in a blue and white kit last season.

"They looked the part and, more importantly, feel the part.

"The boys also took part in a full-day sponsored 'scavenger hunt' challenge where they had various tasks to do in and around Runcorn, to raise money for the club account.

"They really have worked so hard on and off the pitch.

"At the beginning of the season they were all so eager to get started and as of this week they are unbeaten and playing excellent attacking football."

The Whites have won nine and drawn one of their 10 games so far.

They have scored 43 goals and only conceded 13 goals in the process.