THEY went to Italy to give local kids a football lesson but our Kits for Kids winners had a ball off the pitch too.

Drumchapel United under-eights were treated to training ground tours, introduced to Serie A stars and entertained at a topflight football match by their Italian hosts.

The boys were also schooled in the art of making Parma's famous ham - even if they found the process a bit whiffy.

And they were shown round the factory which manufactured the strips they had worked so hard to collect tokens for in the Record's unbeatable offer.

Drumchapel United won top prize in our Scottish Gas-sponsored Kits for Kids promotion - an all-expenses-paid weekend in Italy.

The boys did Scotland proud - winning their tournament at a canter against local opposition.

But the contest was just a small part of an unforgettable weekend.

We whisked the boys, their parents and team management away to a luxury hotel - and spent the first night trying to convince the excited squad to grab some shut-eye before their busy few days to come.

Day one saw the lads getting an insight into the hard work needed to be in one of Italy's top football teams.

They watched intently as Parma players were put through their paces at their Centro Sportivo training ground.

And they had clearly picked up some tips from the stars when it came to showing their own skills later that weekend at the football tournament.

Maybe a bit of insider knowledge had been passed on by the Parma players, who were keen to meet their visitors after the training session.

Stars such as Domenico Morfeo took the time to sign autographs and even talked tactics with our lads - and the meeting was one of the highlights of the trip.

Kieran Burns said: 'We couldn't wait to meet the players.

'It was so interesting talking to them. They told us they live for football and we agreed we think the same.

'They encouraged us to get stuck in at the tournament and wished us luck.'

Jack Cuthbertson's only disappointment was the team couldn't take on the big boys.

He said: 'I wanted to get out on to the pitch and play against them, but their manager wouldn't have it. Maybe he was scared we'd show them up.'

His mum, Yvonne, added: 'It's been great for the boys to meet the players - and it was nice of the guys to take time to talk to them and make them feel welcome. It's something that all of us, not just the kids, will never forget. Great memories.'

The boys then toured the factory that produces the world-renowned Parma ham: Pinching his nose, Josh Irwin smirked: 'This place stinks. I'd hate to work here every day.'

The boys, who had collected thousands of tokens to secure their kits, were also shown where the gear was made.

In a tour of the Errea factory, they saw the whole process of creating a football strip.

The firm also make Parma's strips - and the boys were each gifted replica shirts.

Sunday saw the lads win the tournament, and maybe they should have been passing tips to Parma's players who lost their match with Roma later that day.

Despite their hosts' 3-0 defeat, the boys enjoyed a fabulous afternoon's entertainment as guests of honour in the stadium.

Drumchapel coach Martin Burns said: 'Even though Parma lost, we've all had a fantastic day.

'In fact, the whole visit has been a chance of a lifetime. It's been amazing and none of us will ever forget it.'

FOR more great pictures of the boys' Italian adventure. go to dailyrecord.co.uk and click on videos and pictures.

'The Parma players encouraged us to get stuck in at the tournament'