WITTON Albion Academy are very proud of a milestone that has been achieved.

The set-up are celebrating their first graduates and one of them, Alfie Blakeley, was an unused substitute for the first team when drawing 1-1 at South Liverpool in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Also making the grade are Rhys Beswick, Zacko Kopanski, Jack Bestwick and Wentworth Sanders.

Witton goalkeeping coach and under 18s manager Chris Appleton said: “It’s a very exciting moment for the football club.

“A huge credit to everyone who has made this happen and allowed me the chance to provide the final piece to the puzzle and push these lads into the spotlight.

“These lads have worked incredibly hard and deserve the chance to progress and I’m sure they won’t be the last.”

The five players have all finished high school this year and are waiting to receive their exam results.

For five players to have received the call-up to the first team at school age is an exceptional achievement for the boys and the club's Academy set-up.