AS World Cup fever sweeps the country one Southampton school is doing its best to nurture footballing talent among its boys and girls.

Beechwood Junior School is among the first in the city to be awarded the Football Association Standard for Schools.

The 305-pupil school has received the accolade after forging closer links with the local community and the local football club Bitterne FC.

Teacher Phil Smith said: "We had to prove our commitment with after school coaching, enter the Southampton's School League and work in partnership with Bitterne FC."

Thanks to the school's flourishing football teams and coaching programme not only are pupils keeping fit, but making new friends too.