Pontesbury School are up for the cup

They finished top of the pile in the Year 5 tp 6 five-a-side boys event.

They beat off competition from 21 other schools in driving rain at Telford College of Arts & Technology.

And the Pontesbury players had the benefit of some wise words of advice – they were managed by deputy head Sam Aiston, the former Shrewsbury Town winger.

Despite the weather Gavin Cowan, the director of organisers Crossbar Coaching Education in Sport, said the day was another big success following on from the Year 3 to 4 boys event.

That was won by Shrewsbury's Greenfields Primary School. Girls school teams from around the county now get their chance with the Crossbar Girls Cup under way.

Cowan said: "A great day was had by all, despite the horrendous weather.

"The staff at TCAT were fantastic as they were able to secure us the Dome to give the teams some shelter from the rain when they were not playing, which was much appreciated.

"There was a lot of development, a lot of benefits for the kids, and they reaped the rewards in conducting themselves in the right way, for having the right attitude.

"The standard of football was really high, very impressive. We celebrate that but we also celebrate good teamwork, skills and attitude."

Pontesbury beat Shrewsbury's Mount Pleasant Primary School in the final, while Lawley Primary School's B team got the better of the Telford school's A team in the Plate final.

Sports coaching company Crossbar delivers sport across the curriculum in many county schools, organises school competitions and holiday courses.

He will shortly run its first two-year full-time educational programme for school leavers.