This week servicemen and women from the Royal Air Force FA met with England’s Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, Jack Wilshere and captain Steven Gerrard at St. George’s Park.

The RAF personnel, who included players from the RAF Representative Team, service leagues and executive council committee, had been invited for an all access tour of the national football centre by St. George’s Park Chairman, David Sheepshanks CBE.

“It was fantastic for the group to meet some of England’s footballing stars today at St. George’s Park,” said Group Captain Simon Harper, Chairman of the RAF FA, who also spoke of the lasting impression the facilities had made on him and on the footballers within the group.

“The facilities here are of the highest quality and whether you play for the senior England team or a local club – it’s available for everyone.

“We look forward to the RAF teams playing on one of the St. George’s Park pitches in the near future.”

It was an impression that didn’t go unnoticed by Sheepshanks, who confirmed that the centre will now welcome the RAF football team for a week’s training ahead of their games against the Army and Navy teams.

“It was a privilege to be able to show a delegation from the RAF Football Association around St. George’s Park.

“I know they were impressed by the fabulous facilities we have here and delighted that they will be returning in March with their squad for a week’s intensive training ahead of their clashes with the elite teams from the Army and Navy FA’s.

He added: “The fact that they were able to meet some of the England team while they were here was certainly an added bonus!”