By: CHRIS BOULOUS

FORMER Westfields Sports students Matthew Ryan and Bernie Ibini-Isei returned to their old stomping ground recently to hand out school awards to students.

Ryan, the Central Coast Mariners keeper and A-League young player of the year, and Ibini-Isei, who set up two goals in the epic A-League decider, were swamped by adoring students as their stature in the game continues to rise.

Both players are hoping to gain selection in the Australian under-20 team to play in the FIFA World Youth Cup in Columbia later this year.

They will attend the first of a series of AIS training camps next week.