Tiny Tigers play at Wembley
Budding Shropshire footballers came face to face with two of the game's biggest names when they got the chance to play at Wembley Stadium.
The ten youngsters from the Market Drayton Tigers Under 9s met current England boss Steve McClaren and World Cup hat-trick hero Sir Geoff Hurst at the national stadium in London on Monday.
The team took part in in the FA McDonalds Mini-Soccer Festival 2007 after being nominated by the Shropshire FA.
They played in front of about 5,000 fans at the home of English football as part of the event which was arranged to to help promote the new stadium.
The Tigers squad took part in a non-competitive tournament at nearby Northwick Park, taking on three teams.
They then went on to Wembley where they played one 12-minute game against a side from Somerset, which they drew 1-1.
The youngsters were then presented with medals by Sir Geoff and Steve McClaren in the royal box.
Tigers manager Anthony Garratt said it was a proud day for everyone involved.
He said: "The lads had the day of a lifetime. There were about 70 family members who went down to London.
"After playing in the mini-festival at Northwick Park they were taken to Wembley through the player entrance and had photos taken by the TV interview boards.
"I wouldn't say the boys were overwhelmed by the occasion but they were astounded by it all. It was something they will never forget and will probably never be repeated for the lads. We were all so proud to see them out on the pitch. It was a big honour for Market Drayton Tigers as well."
Mr McClaren said it was great to see the youngsters from Market Drayton playing at Wembley.
He said: "They certainly seemed to enjoy the experience. It was a chance of a lifetime because many great players have finished their careers without playing at Wembley.
"There were some talented kids out there and it would be great to see them back here for England one day."