THERE'S a red tinge to the mighty mites of Bishopthorpe White Rose - and it's not just confined to the scarlet of their new strip.

The under-10s team is co-managed by Gary Kitson and Andy Barkway and their intention is to adhere to the total football espoused by the all-conquering Liverpool side of the 1980s, especially when the youngsters graduate to full 11-a-side play.

So declared Barkway, who, with Kitson, has managed the current team from under-sevens level.

"We are looking to next season when the players can transfer their mini-football ability to 11-a-side and play football like the great Liverpool sides of the 80s," said the co-manager.

"Both of us are grateful for the opportunity to coach these youngsters and because of their attitude and commitment, they have made the previous three years very rewarding."

The team is part of the Bishopthorpe White Rose club, which was formed six years ago with teams from U8 to U15 level and which recently achieved coveted Charter Standard.

The U10s have kicked off the current campaign in style by winning the inaugural City Football Development tournament.

In a keenly-contested final, Bishopthorpe WR ousted Osbaldwick 5-1 to instantly bring silverware to the cabinet and follow on the back of a second successive double-winning season when they won the Mitchell League and Rawcliffe tournaments.

Both the U10 'A' and 'B' teams have made impressive starts to the current term.

The 'A'-ranks are top scorers and in second place in Division 1A, while the 'B'-side boasts a maximum record at the peak of Division 1B, where they have conceded a mere two goals. Joint-top marksmen for the 'A'-crew are Conner Ryan and Luke Robinson, while Jack Caple heads the scoring charts for the 'B' side.

First brought together more than three years ago, the U10s still boast most of their original players, with almost half hailing from Bishopthorpe and the rest from Heworth, Rawclife and Acomb.

Both Kitson and Barkway have a solid grounding in York football themselves. They have played at county standard and local league level since they were teenagers and still make the occasional appearance for York Leeper Hare League outfit Dringhouses.

But it's coaching the U10s that has given them a new lease of footballing life.

Added Barkway: "We have seen them develop from a group of kids who ran around chasing the ball into two teams of entertaining and skilful footballers."

As a reward for their progress last season and this, the club's sponsors Martins Skip Hire stumped up for a new kit, which with the backing also of Nestl, has provided an extra incentive for yet more Bishopthorpe White Rose red-letter days.

Updated: 09:49 Saturday, November 12, 2005