EVERY young footballer's dream came true at one Southampton school as they came face-to-face with the FA Cup.

Youngsters at Mount Pleasant Junior school in St Mary's were treated to the spectacular sight of the gleaming trophy.

FA Cup representatives organised the visit to promote the country's top football competition among young fans.

For those at the 230-pupil junior school it was a chance to see and, for a privileged few, touch the prestigious trophy.

Head teacher John Wells said the visit had been enjoyed by pupils and staff.

Important' He said: "Football is really important at the school. We have teams which play in local five-a-side competitions and our year three and four pupils receive weekly coaching through the Saints in the Community programme."

The school boasts a number of boys' teams and one girls' team.

Mr Wells said the beautiful game helped forge bridges between pupils from different backgrounds.

"Our football team is made up of a group of children from different countries and cultures.

"They play together as a real team and competing against other schools helps to build bridges."

Mr Wells said the school supported the Football Association's Kick Racism Out of Football campaign.

Tim Collins, one of the FA Cup representatives said: "The purpose of this visit is to take the FA Cup into the community.

"The FA Cup is not just about big premiership teams but the small teams and football at grass roots level."

The visit comes as Southampton prepares to play Manchester City away in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Sunday at 3pm.