Spurs and England duo Aaron Lennon and Michael Dawson joined The FA's Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking on Monday afternoon in London, visiting one of The FA's HatTrick projects.

In Shoreditch, just a mile from the affluent banking district of London, 25 children from Burbage Primary School in Hackney - a school of 410 pupils and 85 languages - got to meet two of the most promising English players in the Premier League, bombarding them with a series of questions, before joining in a coaching session in the playground.

"Schools that are in areas like this present huge challenges for the children and teachers" Sir Trevor told TheFA.com.

"Football has a unique power to break down barriers, behaviours and languages, as well as improve discipline. In fact the children taking part were chosen for their good behaviour in class, as well as the fact they had not been playing truant, as others do at the school.

"It's been well documented that children are becoming more obese and less physically fit, and I'm proud that The FA are involved in projects like this which help encourage children to take part, and then maybe join a local club and develop their skills from there."

Dawson grew up in North Yorkshire as a child and with two brothers - who also went into professional football - he could always be found with a ball at his feet.

"When I was at a school we only had 100 pupils and we never needed to be encouraged to take part in sport," he said.

"Now however there are lots of different pulls on the time of kids, as well as peer pressure which can sometimes lead teenagers into drinking, drugs or vandalism.

"I never had a professional player come to my school and it's great for Aaron and I to put something back into the game.

"Hopefully today we have helped encourage the children to take up the sport we love, even if one of the children thought I was Peter Crouch!"

Football Community Worker Dwight Bond coaches at six schools across the Shoreditch area involving between 100-150 children each week.

In June he has organised an inter-schools tournament with the Hackney Sports Partnership which will look to get local club coaches also running sessions, and in late June, a new late-night five-a-side league will kick-off, aimed at teenagers who can normally be found on the streets involved in anti-social behaviour.

So far, 15 adults have also gained their Level 1 FA Coaching qualification, parents are also encouraged to get involved, and join in with their children.

The final word went to Headteacher Karen Glenister.

"The event meant an immense amount to everyone at the school.

"There were some challenging children in the group who met Aaron and Michael. This part of London suffers from high unemployment and lots of the children come from war-torn countries, but it's amazing to see how football can also improve their behaviour, and give them something to aspire to.

"These children will never forget today."