"Up for the Cup" is a resource pack available free of charge to Primary Schools which aims to harness the magic of The FA Cup to make lessons more fun whilst fitting in to the curriculum.

Rob Hickman has been using the pack to teach key subjects to his Year 6 pupils at Gig Mill, but was thrilled to have an extra student in his class:

"Matthew joined us for a science lesson where we were learning about healthy eating and fitness. The pack uses an example of a footballer’s lifestyle to show how important it is to eat the right food and take enough exercise so it was fantastic to have a real footballer there too!"

The visit brought back memories of his time at school for Upson, who said he would have loved to have been able to use "Up for the Cup" in his lessons:

"I think the pack is something that would have really made me sit up and take notice! The way you can tie football in to children learning about things like health, exercise and their diet is ideal.

"It’s been great coming here and being in the classroom with the children," he added.

The school also enjoyed a visit from The FA Cup itself, with each pupil given the chance to have their photograph taken with the prestigious silverware.

The 3rd Round Draw of The FA Cup took place on Sunday, with Upson’s Birmingham City being drawn at home to Leeds United. Seeing the trophy close-up appears to have made an impression:

"If I could name one thing I’d love to do [in 2005], it would be to win The FA Cup," he admitted. "I’ve been at Arsenal when they’ve won it and played a part in an FA Cup campaign but I’ve never played in a Final."

With lessons over, Matthew was excused from class, but his extra curricular activities included spent time signing autographs with children and parents!