Staffordshire footballers crowned champions at Wembley
A footballer has spoken of his team's immense pride after they lifted a trophy at Wembley during the FA Cup final.
Tom Bowers, aged 25 from Acton Trussell in Staffordshire, won the FA People's Cup - a five-a-side tournament - along with his team mates of Woolpack United, based in Stafford.
They were presented with the trophy at half time on Saturday, during Arsenal and Chelsea's tie in front thousands of fans.
He travelled down to the game alongside his five team mates and father - thanks to the FA which awarded them tickets as part of the prize.
Tom said: "I felt so proud. To have Woolpack United read out around Wembley stadium in front of 90,000 people is incredible.
"It was an amazing experience to get to go to Wembley. It was extra special that we had won the right to be there.
His team mate Harry Redler, 18 and also from Acton Trussell, collected the trophy for his team from TV presenter Gabby Logan.
They had their team photo and name displayed on a large TV screen outside the stadium ahead of the game.
"It was probably the biggest screen going in the country," said Tom.
"Our photo was on the side of Wembley saying congratulations.
"People around us were actually asking us for photographs when they realised it was us.
"We had people all around the ground saying well done."
Woolpack United saw off more than 6,000 teams to win the competition.
They put their success down to the family ties among the ranks, as the side was made up of two sets of brothers.
The team is made up of Harry and Jez Redler, Tom and Harry Bowers, Richard Greaves and Henry Smith. Woolpack’s journey began in February when they entered the first round. They progressed into their regional semi-final to qualify for the final which was held in Birmingham.
They battled it out in a tense match against KO5, from Wakefield, eventually winning 2-1.
Tom added: "When we entered the competition in Stafford, we didn't expect to go to Wembley."
