Teachers from a Coventry school ran out winners at the weekend when they were treated to a trip to the final game at Wembley to receive an award for the standard of their football training.

Minutes before England kicked off in their fateful World Cup qualifier against Germany, two teachers from Stivichall Primary were on the hallowed turf being congratulated by Sir Bobby Charlton.

The school in Green Lane was declared regional winners of a scheme run by the FA to encourage football at grass-roots level.

PE co-ordinator Phil Mellen and Martin Bainbridge are among five teachers at the school who have passed FA coaching qualifications.

This and the standard of facilities at the school helped earn a charter mark, and allowed Stivichall to enter a regional heat to find the best school in the West Midlands.

Mr Mellen said:

“We were on the pitch about half an hour before the game started and all the players were out there warming up.

“At one point Michael Owen ran past us. It was a good time to go, although it wasn’t the best game.

“We are lucky here because we have five members of staff who are interested in football.

“It enables us to run training and teams for years two to six for both boys and girls.

“We’ve only got one pitch, but we use the Memorial Park and we host a number of tournaments.

“Sir Bobby said well done, and told us to keep the good work. It’s a tremendous achievement for the school.”