englandfans, the official England supporters' club, and The FA are celebrating a new world record as part of Alltogethernow 2006, the campaign to promote the positive fan behaviour and respect and friendship among supporters ahead of and during the World Cup.

englandfans and The FA joined forces with over 650 schoolchildren from 16 schools throughout England to set a new world keepy uppy record of 459 earlier today, beating the previous record of 446 which had stood for the last seven years.

The balls used in the world record attempt were kindly donated by Mitre and, after months of planning, the synchronised event took place at 11.00am when children at 10 locations across the country had to do keepy uppies simultaneously for 10 seconds.

London englandfans co-ordinator Mark Perryman, one of the event organisers, said he was 'delighted' with the teamwork and co-operation shown by so many children, teachers, classmates and families who contributed to the new world record.

"Organising the event was a huge logistical challenge and to set a world record is a magnificent achievement for everyone involved."

England Head Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson congratulated englandfans and the children on the new world record.

He said: "Achieving a new world record on this size and scale is a marvellous achievement in its own right. It also highlights what can be achieved through teamwork and planning which are vital for sporting success. It also sends out the important message of positive fan initiatives ahead of the World Cup."

The world record attempt was witnessed by two independent officials at each location and is subject to confirmation from Guinness World Records. The event also raised funds for SOS Children's Villages, the world's largest charity for orphaned and abaondoned children which is an FA and FIFA Charity Partner for 2006.

The schools taking part were:

Heys Primary School Ashton under Lyne
Danun School Technical College, Doncaster,
Sandhill View Secondary School, Sunderland,
King Arthur Community School, Wincanton,
Toynbee Secondary School, Eastleigh,
Langdon Park, Poplar, Tower Hamlets,
E London Beyton Middle School, Bury St. Edmunds,
Tudor Grange School, Solihull,
Worden Sports College, Preston,
Double Club Arsenal FC, a joint project run by Arsenal FC, the Goethe Institut and Voyage