FOOTBALL-CRAZY kids were over the moon when St Mirren star Marc McAusland turned up to hand out the honours at their awards ceremony.

Marc was the special guest at the end-of-season bash attended by pupils from Gallowhill Primary and St Catherine’s Primary.

The two schools, which are both in Paisley, amalgamated their football teams to help save money and the merged side has just completed its first season in Section F of the Paisley and District Schools Football League.

And Marc was delighted to be there to reward the hard-working boys and girls, who are mostly in primary three, four, five and six classes, for their efforts on the park.

Among the many prize winners were eight-year-old Daniel Johnstone, from Gallowhill Primary, and nine-year-old Lauren McCulloch, who attends St Catherine’s.

Both youngsters received Personality of the Year awards from team coach Robert Dougan.

And the Player of the Year award went to 10-year-old Ewan Johnston, who attends Gallowhill Primary and was presented with his prize by the school’s janitor, Ian McCulloch.

Winner of the Rankin Trophy for the Most Improved Player was 10-year-old Stephen Johnstone, who attends Gallowhill Primary.

On hand to present Stephen with his prize were Saints ace Marc and Alison Rankin, who is an auxiliary teacher at the school.

Also attending the awards presentation was Stephen Dock, from Engage, which helps small clubs to obtain grants.

Proud coach Robert said: “We started the season poorly and were getting beaten regularly but we improved after that.

“To be fair, it’s not about results – it’s about getting out there and playing.”

The youngsters received a boost on the day when bosses at the Watermill Hotel in Paisley provided a tasty buffet for those in attendance.

And, in a further boost, the team is also £250 richer, thanks to a donation from airport operators BAA.

The money will help go towards funding costs for the team next season.

Robert added: “I’d like to thank Sharon Morrison at BAA, our friends at the Watermill Hotel, Marc McAusland and Stephen Dock for making the awards day such a success.

“A special mention must also go to St Mirren legend Tony Fitzpatrick, who has given us continued support.”