Pupils trained by coach whose athletic team won the same competition 50 years ago 

There was a champions welcome at Marlborough Road Academy in Higher Broughton last week as the athletics team returned victorious from the Salford Schools Athletics Championship for middle-sized schools.  The team excelled in the track and field events held at Cleavley Athletics Track in Eccles. 

The team’s celebration was made extra special when coach David Ashton told them that he had won the same championship half a century earlier with pupils at the school.  Mr Ashton, who joined the school in 1972, coached the team to victory in 1973. 

Mr Ashton retired in 2020 but continued volunteering as a sports coach at the school.  He said: 

“It has been a pleasure being involved with sport at Marlborough Road for 50 years.  I used to run alongside the athletes to cheer them on.  I can't do that anymore but I still get as passionate about the school and young people doing well.” 

Athletics captain Mamadou Mbaye Faye said: 

“Mr Ashton gives up so much of his time to train us.  He is so kind. We don’t know what we would do without him.” 

Judith Richens, Principal of Marlborough Road Academy, said: 

“We are so fortunate that David has remained a part of the Marlborough Road community.  In his 50 years of service to the school, he has inspired, encouraged and supported thousands of pupils and this month’s victory is the icing on the cake!  I am very proud of all the pupils who competed in the championships.  They gave it their all and are very deserving winners.”