Whitney Institute turned the spotlight on one of its most famous students yesterday, re-christening its gym the Shaun Goater Gymnasium.

The gesture tied in nicely with the launch of the ace footballer's Grassroots Soccer Festival, which begins on Monday, and the school's ongoing celebrations for its 120th anniversary.

“We celebrate those who have emerged from our ranks and gone on to do great personal and professional things.

“It's important for this generation of Whitney to understand that from within these halls and classes young people have emerged into society and done great things. We have a rich, long history and this is a way to illuminate the past to shine forth for the future.

“In honouring Shaun's professional and international status we have re-named our gymnasium Shaun Goater Gymnasium at the behest of the Whitney trustees,” explained principal Freddie Evans.

The school gathered for full assembly yesterday morning at which Government Minister Nelson Bascome, who is one of the trustees, read a proclamation formally re-christening the gym.

Stanley Seymour (Lord Necktie) performed his well-known ‘Ode to the Goat' song while former teachers and classmates - including Clay Smith and Dean Minors - gave testimonials of Goater as a Whitney schoolboy.

Sports Minister Randy Horton also lauded Goater's achievements.

The Manchester City striker, who graduated from Whitney in 1987, also addressed the gathering before stepping onto the field with some other ‘old boys' to indulge in his favourite game as the school's Over-13 and Under-13 football teams played an alumni side.

Goater featured in the Over-13 match, playing for the past students in the first half and then with the Over-13s in the second half.

It's no surprise that he scored for both side. The alumni won the encounter 5-2.