The competition was linked to The FA’s ‘Up for the Cup’ education resource pack - part of The FA's Football Development programme - and the prize for the winning child was to receive a visit by The FA Cup to their school.

The Cup first stopped off at the studios of Pirate FM in Redruth, before moving to Heamoor CP School on the outskirts of Penzance, and it was Stuart's class, taught by Sue Harris who saw The FA Cup arrive at the school last Thursday afternoon, to the strains of the Match of the Day theme tune! 

Local Media from BBC Cornwall and The Cornishman newspaper were invited to take part in an interactive lesson based on The FA’s ‘Up for the Cup’ education initiative, backed by England Head Coach, Sven Goran Eriksson.

Said Sven: “I think children will be excited by this activity pack – and their teachers will love it even more because it can make their job easier.

“I know from my own experience as a football coach that the learning and development of new skills is always easier when you make it fun. It’s true with football, and I know it applies academically in the classroom as well".

‘Up for the Cup’ is a teaching package, which harnesses the excitement, tradition and global appeal of The FA Cup. It aims to help children aged between 7-11 to fulfil their potential across the curriculum – from numeracy and literacy to geography, history, citizenship, and art and design technology.

Colin Trevorrow, Head Teacher at Heamoor CP School, said: “The FA Cup is the most famous football competition in the world, with its own rich history and tradition. This project will immediately grab the attention of anyone who already has an interest in football – but for schools the beauty of this resource is that you don’t have to be an ardent football fan to enjoy it and benefit from it.

“I am extremely grateful to The FA and MATCH Magazine for this one-off opportunity, and it was a day that will live long in the memory of teachers, the pupils, and many of their parents who also came to have their photos taken."

The FA Cup then embarked on its final journey of the day to Ludgvan Community Centre, where another 100 children who play for local FA Charter Standard Club Ludgvan Lions (Stuart’s local club) also had the opportunity to pose for photos with The FA Cup.

Jane Rodda, Club Secretary of Ludgvan Lions JFC, expressed her delight that the local community experienced such a one-off whirlwind day, saying: “Such a prestigious trophy coming to the area was amazing and will be a talked-about  event for years to come. As a Charter Standard Club, we are always looking to provide our members with high quality experiences, whether in training or during Fun Days and Club trips.

“Our club is in its infancy but already has a membership of 97 youngsters travelling from all over West Cornwall. The Club has grown so much over the last two years that we are now seeking additional training and playing facilities, and are now facing our biggest challenge yet, undertaking our "Field Project" to raise additional funds to provide the much needed new facilities.

If you would like more information on how to become a FA Charter Standard Club or School, you can contact your local County FA.

If you are a Primary School who would like to get your hands on a free copy of the 'Up for the Cup' pack, contact Georgina Bullock at Kids Connections on: 0207 4284071 or email: george@kidsconnections.co.uk