FOOTBALL: Gilbrook's double.

WEST KIRBY Residential School were crowned senior league champions, while Clarence High School took the senior cup (Joe Burns Shield) and Gilbrook School claimed the primary league and cup double.

The first season of the Merseyside EBD (Emotional Behavioural Difficulty) schools leagues attracted eight secondary and four primary teams.

The league is the second disability impairment-specific league to be founded on Merseyside and plans are advanced for an SLD (Severe Learning Difficulties) and PD (Physically Disabled) league in 2005.

The FA Charter Standard Merseyside EBD Schools League was established after meetings with the schools and the Merseyside Disability Football Partnership.

Steve Swinnerton, Liverpool City Council's football development officer, is the driving force behind the leagues.

He said: 'The league provides playing opportunities for children within EBD schools on a similar level to mainstream competitions.

'The players have always been of a high quality and with the structured league football and coaching from Everton Football in the Community this will now further their individual and team development