The schools are all committed to raising the standard of football in a safe, positive environment, and to forging links with their local Charter Standard clubs.

Each school will be presented with an award at England’s World Cup Qualifying game against Wales at Old Trafford tomorrow (October 9), where school representatives will be honoured at half-time.

The Primary school award goes to Green Park Community Primary School, whose PE co-ordinator Maria Blackham said: "Football is a significant part of life here and also within the local community. We pride ourselves on keeping the children fit and healthy and feel that football also teaches them about fair-play and team-building."

Swindon Even Junior’s Head of PE, Wayne Smith, echoed her comments. "Football is not only physically beneficial for the children, it provides mental stimulation. We believe it relates to all aspects of the curriculum and try to incorporate it in to most subjects.

Half of Callington Community College’s 1200 pupils play football on a regular basis and the college runs a girls and boys football team in every age group, from 12 to 18.

"Football is at the heart of our sporting programme and enables us to do a lot of really positive work on and off the pitch," said the college's Assistant Director of Sport, Michelle Roberts.

College staff run FA approved coaching and child protection courses. They have also helped more than 30 local primary schools qualify for The FA's Charter Standard award.

Football is at the centre of sport at Ansford Community School, where PE teacher and sports co-ordinator Jon Davis, said: ""It was a great surprise to receive this national award, which has created a real buzz within the school. It is a tribute to all the effort and hard work that so many people have put in to make good quality football available, not just to our pupils, but to other schools and clubs within the area."

Djanogly City Academy in Nottingham says the award has given a real boost to everyone involved in its football development programme.

"Football has really benefited our students. They really feel part of something, are able to keep fit and healthy and have been given the opportunity to travel all over the country," said the academy’s Site Subject Leader for PE and Sport, Richard Walmsley.

Haycliffe Special School, in Great Horton, Bradford, is also celebrating its national Charter Standard status. Head of PE Barry Holden said pupils thrived on the school’s ‘positive football atmosphere’ and the award meant a huge amount to the school, which organises a local special schools football league and earlier this year held its own Euro 2004 tournament, with pupils representing different countries.

The Charter Standard, supported by FA partner Pepsi, was established three years ago. It aims to raise standards in the curriculum and out of school hours programmes and develop links with local Charter Standard Clubs.

Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA’s Director of Football Development said: "The FA is committed to raising the standards of football at grassroots level. These awards acknowledge the fantastic support that these schools are providing within the local community, providing opportunities for players of all abilities to develop their skills and play football in a safe and fun environment."