Setting the standard

The inaugural FA Umbro Fives concluded on Sunday amid jubilant scenes at Wembley Stadium.

London-based MDU and Watford Ladies were the two teams celebrating the most after winning the men's and women's tournament respectively, prompting the popping of champagne bottles and explosions of streamers and ticker-tape.

A total of 48 teams stepped on Wembley's hallowed turf just after midday and 109 games and almost seven hours later, the last of the winners descended from the Royal Box, trophy in hand.

"It went really well," said tournament organiser Dermot Collins. "We planned to give the players a special experience and I think we achieved that. The players experienced the same thing as what the elite players would. That's a life changing experience."

While the winners had a day to remember, the hundreds of footballers who took part will cherish the moment they emulated the likes of David Beckham and Wayne Rooney by performing under Wembley's famous arch.

"We took one of the most prestigious football stadiums and opened it up to the public," Collins added. "Lots of people came up to me and said they had a great day. It was a really well organised tournament and I think that sets the standard."

Each player tried to leave their mark, from goal-hungry forwards desperate to burst the net to New Liberty's eccentric keeper who greeted each goal his team scored with a cartwheel. Even ex-England and Liverpool winger John Barnes looked impressed.

With six games being played at once, the 3,000 enthusiastic spectators had to be alert for any stray shots. Unfortunately, Collins was sent flying by one wayward effort.

The crowd played their part too, noisily cheering on their teams from the stands as the goals flew in.

"I was really pleased with the turn-out," added Collins. "We sent out tickets and you normally expect one in four to turn up. I think they all made it. There were 3,000 people there at one point, from all over the country. Lots of people took the opportunity to come down which made for a really good atmosphere."

There was also time for a few notable celebrities to sample the Wembley experience. World light-welterweight champion Junior Witter swapped boxing gloves for football boots while former athlete Duane Ladejo showed quick feet as the celebrities, who also included Big Brother winner Anthony Hutton, lost to a media team.

But the day belonged to the grassroots footballers who fulfilled their dream of playing at Wembley.