The chance to lift a trophy at Wembley Stadium is one football fans dream of – and that could now become a reality for youngsters in Bedford.

Girls from Biddenham School are in this year’s FA People’s Cup and took part in a special launch day at the National Football Centre at St. George’s Park on Friday.

FA coaches led them and other teams through expert sessions of drills and skills, ahead of their participation in the country’s largest and most inclusive small-sided football tournament.

Should the team progress to April’s finals, they will get the chance to play on the St. George’s Park pitches, the first time the Staffordshire complex has hosted the latter stages of the amateur competition.

And for Amy Lewis, P.E. teacher at the school, on Biddenham Turn, the cup is another chance to display the ever-growing popularity of football with girls at the school.

“It’s been a great opportunity,” she said. “At the school, we have a team for each of the groups and the girls have been working with some of the older groups and the more talented players go off to clubs to play football even further.”

Girls from Year 10 and 11 took part in the day, and 15-year-old Zuzanna believes the cup is an incredible opportunity which others should take part in.

“I really liked the day, I found it really helpful to keep improving my skills and work on some bits I might not be as good at,” she said.

“I think it’s a great opportunity – I’ve been to St. George’s Park before but never had a proper training session like this was.

“If you get that kind of opportunity you should take it because it’s really helpful – you meet a lot of new people and you find out a lot about yourself.

“I play for a local club – Bedford Ladies and Girls FC. The day helped me improve on many, many skills and learn a bit more about game strategy.”

Friday’s session also saw under-14 girls and boys, university students, disability players and walking footballers soak up the advice given by coaches and try their hand at a range of skills.

The free-to-enter FA People’s Cup is a symbol of diversity and is open to teams of all ages and abilities, with teams able to enter online.

Les Howie, Head of Grassroots Football for The FA, added: “The FA People’s Cup is extremely important to grassroots football in this country, providing a fantastic opportunity for people to play the game we all love.

“With 18 categories welcoming a truly diverse set of entrants, this competition really is for all. And with the added appeal of a final at St. George’s Park, 2018’s tournament is set to be the best yet.”

The FA People’s Cup turns the people’s dreams of lifting a trophy at Wembley Stadium into a reality. Registration for the free-to-enter five-a-side tournament, open to all ages and abilities, is now open. For more information visit www.TheFA.com/FAPeoplesCup