You might not have heard of them. You probably haven’t seen them play. But they are proof, all the same, of some good things that can sometimes slip under the radar at Carlisle United.

Seven trophies in five years, in fact, have been reeled off by this department of the Blues: their community sports trust’s football development teams.

It is not just about winning, since those involved are on a course which combines education with the game. But their record suggests good habits and traits are being bred all the same.

Their most recent intake have just topped the inaugural EFL Community & Education Football Alliance North West Division One table. They finished ahead of scholars from such clubs as Manchester City, Blackburn Rovers, Shrewsbury Town and Preston North End, and received their trophy at Brunton Park this week following a visit from league representatives.

For some of the students it brought a happy end to a two-year process. Some of the departing second-years may remain in the game, others may further their learning. Others may pursue different things.

All will be able to reflect on success on the pitch. This was the first season United’s students have participated in a formal, EFL-governed 11-a-side league after previous years where the focus has been on futsal, and clubs organising the competitive element themselves.

“They [the EFL] have added a more professional approach, with more rules and regulations, everyone has to adhere to the standards, and I can only see it getting better and better,” says James Tose, United’s community sports trust assistant manager.

“We’re already looking forward to next season, when we’ll have another 17 lads ready to start their journey with us.”

The course, Tose says, combines the opportunity to train like professional footballers with an education that offers the equivalent of three ‘A’ Levels, plus a work experience programme and work-based qualifications.

“It helps the students get ready for interviews, ready to go into the work place, and we like to think that, because of the values and philosophy we have, and the way we conduct ourselves, it gives them life skills that will stand them in good stead whichever direction they are going,” Tose adds.

“There has to be exit routes on both sides. Some lads on the course are good footballers who didn’t quite make the youth team, but want to stay involved and, if the club has missed one, they might get back in here [at Carlisle United] or elsewhere – we’ve had some at Queen of the South, or local non-league clubs.

“It’s as important for lads to improve their footballing skills, but also those who might want to get other things out of the course, like coaching.”

Among those to have completed the course is 18-year-old Henry Walker, who captained the team to the league title. He attended Caldew School in Dalston and found United’s course more to his liking than continuing his learning in school.

“I did the first week of Sixth Form but thought that wasn’t for me,” he says. “Then I started this course.

“I just came across it through word of mouth, and some of my friends are on the course as well. It has been more than I expected – I’ve gained so much experience playing football and have definitely improved, plus the knowledge I’m taking away from it.

“Balancing football and work is a great mixture – as long as you get the work done to the best of your ability, the football is a brilliant addition.”

On the pitch, the United side represented the club well with 13 victories, two draws and one defeat, finishing a point ahead of Shrewsbury and five clear of Manchester City. Advancing through the campaign to lift a trophy represented a good season’s work.

“I thought we deserved it, 100 per cent,” Walker adds.

“We had a shaky start, losing our first game, but bounced back brilliantly.

“Playing against Man City was a different challenge. They were bigger and stronger than us but I thought we played the better football and were unlucky to come away with just a draw.

“We always thought at the start of the season we’d have a good chance, and near the end we thought we could bring it home. It’s brilliant to have won it with a great bunch of lads.”

United also made the semi-finals of the national cup competition, where they were beaten by Birmingham at Brunton Park. It is an aspect of football clubs which could expand further, Tose believes.

“Some teams have been going a while 11-a-side, others have just started it. Year on year I can only see the standard getting stronger,” he says.

“I’m led to believe a couple more clubs will be getting involved, hopefully a couple of Premier League clubs, which does help with recruitment – if you tell the lads they’re playing against Man City, it’s ‘Where do we sign?’

“From a competitive point of view, if they know there is a really tough game every single time there’s a match, it only enhances the lads’ education when it comes to real football, wherever that next step might take them.”