AYLSHAM FC U10 lived out every football fans wildest dreams on Monday by taking part in the FA McDonald's National Football Festival at Wembley Stadium.

AYLSHAM FC U10 lived out every football fans wildest dreams on Monday by taking part in the FA McDonald's National Football Festival at Wembley Stadium.

Fifty-six teams countrywide travelled to the home of football to take part in the event, which included meeting England head coach Fabio Capello and 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst.

The day began at nearby Northwick Park where each team played three games and had pictures taken with the FA Community Shield. The youngsters received coaching from Eric Harrison, the former Manchester United coach who nurtured the talents of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham, before progressing to Wembley to play a further fixture on the hallowed turf.

Each team then climbed the 107 steps to the Royal Box to receive their team plaque and individual medals.

Ian Potter, team manager and Aylsham FC club representative, said: “It was the most fantastic day of football, surpassing any expectations the players, coaches and parents might have had. Did we feel special? Absolutely! I'm sure it's a day we will never forget.

“The highlight has to be walking out through the tunnel and onto the pitch, seeing Wembley in all its glory from the player's point of view. We were, after all, playing on the very same pitch that Manchester United and Portsmouth had graced during the Community Shield the previous day.

“We were aware there would be an appearance by a mystery guest from The FA, but would not have dreamt it to be Fabio Capello! When the youngsters spotted him, the excitement and noise in the stadium was quite amazing.

“To represent Norfolk FA, only six weeks after amalgamating three local clubs to form Aylsham FC, really was the icing on the cake and gives us a great start to life as an FA Charter Standard Community Club.”

Gavin Lemmon, County Development Manager at Norfolk FA, said: “The club was drawn at random from affiliated clubs holding the FA Charter Standard Community Club award.”

The trip to Wembley for the National Football Festival highlights just one of the fantastic opportunities available to local clubs that hold one of The FA kitemark awards.”