Chase View School going for national glory

The maths teacher has been involved with the school's football teams for over 20 years – but insists this is the best side to have graced the Rugeley-based premises for two decades.

The Danone Nations Cup is the world's biggest international football tournament for 10-12 year olds. It was first held in 2000 and two-and-a-half million children across 32 countries take part each year.

Mobberley said: "It's been really, really good. To represent the Midlands in a national final is such an achievement.

"There's so much talent in this current group. It's strange how they've all come together at this stage, they've all been in the right place at the right time.

"To have seven kids together with this kind of quality is rare. They've started to play together more regularly and to see the spirit and enjoyment they are taking from it is very rewarding."

Most of the squad play for local clubs outside school, with the goalkeeper signed up to the Wolves academy.

While the youngsters may not be able to take in just quite how big an achievement winning the finals at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre on Saturday would be, their coach is well aware what victory would mean.

He said: "To be 'champions of England' would be unbelievable, two of the nationwide winners go on to represent England in Morocco – but we're not going to get ahead of ourselves.

"The kids are buzzing, as well as the rest of the school. All but one of the lads will be leaving for senior school in July, so they'll have some great memories."

The competition began back in October, and the school have already been successful in three rounds to reach the final.