The primary school, in Shrewsbury, battled their way to the top in a ISA Midlands Region 5-a-side event in Kidderminster.

St Winefride’s under-11s – made up of mostly year six pupils with a couple of years fives – were the only school from Shropshire taking part in the annual event.

And the side, coached by year six teacher and sports co-ordinator Richard Goody, rattled in the goals to progress to the final, where they lost out to a last-minute winner.

But the team’s run to the final booked their place at next summer’s national final, held at St George’s Park – base of the England national teams.

St Winefride’s, a small school of 151 pupils, train after school on Fridays under Goody with engagement sessions from Shrewsbury Town FC In the Community coaching.

They flew through the group stage of six matches, where they scored 29 goals and conceded just three in the process.

With their tails up at the Wyre Forest Leisure Centre tournament, the Shrewsbury school – celebrating their 150th anniversary – made light work of their quarter and semi-final contests, progressing with 4-1 and 2-0 victories.

But the final, against Birmingham’s Highclare Junior School, proved a step too far for Goody’s team as they lost out 2-1 thanks to a last-gasp goal against the run of play.

Captain Ethan Savage scored his side’s goal in the final and won praise from for some ‘heroic’ displays.

After seeing off competition from the West Midlands, including Birmingham and Wolverhampton schools, as well as opposition from Worcestershire and Herefordshire, St Winefride’s will now represent the Midlands in the finals.

The school’s under-9s also took part in the event and despite scoring 17 goals and conceding just twice, fell just outside the medal positions.

Atticus Round was the under-9s star as he struck a hatful of goals.

Last year, St Winefride’s girls’ under-11 side also tasted success, winning the SSCFA U11 Girls Small Schools County Shield.

The results come as more good news for the school who, in the same week, were listed 25th in the country for the Key Stage 2 SATs rankings.

Goody said: “It was a dominant display of football, earning us many compliments from other schools.

“It was an outstanding effort from the boys, so well done to them.

“I am so pleased for our school, this week has been a real testament to the fantastic, dedicated and committed staff and pupils at St Winefride’s.”