Tipton kids team earn Stuart Pearce's praise
Tipton Youth FC Under-8s earned a salute from England legend Stuart Pearce after coming home with the prize from a tournament in Minehead.
The youngsters capped a fun-filled weekend at Butlins by clinching the England Schools Festival of Football title.
After winning the event, the players received their well-earned trophies and a word of praise from former England international Pearce.
Pearce said: "To be crowned ESF Champions is a fantastic achievement. The team should be really proud of themselves. Well done to everyone involved with Tipton Youth FC."
By winning the tournament, Tipton automatically qualify for the ESF finals day which takes place later this year at the University of Warwick Football Centre.
With over 1,100 boys and girls teams participating every year, the ESF Festival of Football is the biggest youth football festival in the UK, but Tipton will head their in full confidence after their Minehead triumph.
They came second in their group with five wins from six games before beating Wednesfield 3-0 in the semi-final and Cresswell Wanderers in the final.
Tipton boss Ashley Causer said: "We had a fantastic time away on tour at the ESF Festival of Football at Butlins.
"It was a great experience for us all and one which I'm sure the lads will remember for years to come.
"We had a great time across the whole weekend and put in some tremendous performances on the pitch.
"For the team to meet Stuart Pearce topped off a fantastic weekend. The boys are all set for Warwick in July."
