Soccer: School finds pride in All Whites' goalie

All Whites goalkeeper Mark Paston deflects a shot at goal during New Zealand's 1-1 draw with Italy. Photo / Brett Phibbs

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Napier Boys' High School may have hosted the England rugby team's training session today, but it was another football code that was producing plenty of pride.

One of the school's old boys is New Zealand soccer goalkeeper Mark Paston, who played his part in the All Whites' superb 1-1 draw against defending World Cup holders Italy in South Africa this morning.

"We sang the national anthem at assembly," headmaster Ross Brown said.

"We sang it for Pasty."

While most of the pupils would not have got up for the 2am kickoff, Brown, who did watch the match live on TV, said everyone was aware of the scoreline.

"They know the result and they talk about national pride."

Paston is not the only sporting old boy from the school wearing his country's colours.

Others include All Blacks winger Zac Guildford and New Zealand cricketer Jesse Ryder.

Another is New Zealand Maori forward Colin Bourke, who will start on the reserves bench against England on Wednesday night.

"It's great to have superstars and superstars who care," Brown said.

"The first thing that Colin said at the welcome was, 'How's the school, how's the first 15?"'

- NZPA