STUDENTS from Central Academy in Carlisle took up the prestigious role of being UEFA Europa League flag bearers at the Manchester United vs Barcelona game at Old Trafford.

Twenty-four students were welcomed to the stadium by staff from the Manchester United Foundation and given an induction to their role as flag bearers.

When the time came, the students walked out of the Players Tunnel carrying the Europa flag and took their position at the centre of the pitch in front of the 74,000-strong crowd.

Following this, the students returned to their pitch-side seats where they were able to enjoy the game which Manchester United won 2-1.

To select those students who would act as flagbearers, the school put in place a special ‘golden ticket’ initiative in the lead up to the match.

Over the course of a week students in Years 9 to 11 were awarded a ticket for any exceptional contributions they made to school life.

This included demonstrating high academic standards in their school work or exemplifying one or more of the academy’s six values: respect, determination, ambition, confidence, creativity and enthusiasm.

60 golden tickets were distributed to deserving students, with a live draw taking place at the end of the week to select the flag bearers.

Speaking of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Year 9 student, Harley said: “It was such a good atmosphere.

"Being able to walk out on the pitch in front of 74,000 fans was amazing! I’ll never forget it.”

Central Academy Principal Dan Markham said: “One of the best parts of my role as Principal is being able to celebrate students for their hard work and commitment to their studies.

"After an excellent set of GCSE and A Level results last year, it is fantastic to be able to reward our current students who are really leading the way both academically and through their wider contributions to school life.

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"I am sure this will be an experience our students will never forget.