As Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan once famously ranted “I will love it if we beat them” as the England star felt the pressure in the title race.

But for one Norfolk under-sevens football team its players managed to keep their cool to go on and scoop a top football trophy, that was handed to them by the former Liverpool player.

Players from Hockering Boys under-sevens travelled up to Skegness to take part in the ESF Festival of Football between April 21 to 24.

They were crowned the winners of the national event in their age group, beating a Durham team 3-1 in a tense penalty shootout in the final.

The boys played teams from around the country including Newcastle and Liverpool on their journey to becoming champions, so it seemed fitting that a legend of those clubs, Keegan, presented them the trophy alongside England women's legend Rachel Unitt. 

Watton & Swaffham Times: Players from Hockering Boys at ESF Festival of Football: (Top row, left to right) Tobi Amadasun Jnr, Finlay Garwood, Thomas Lordan, (bottom row, left to right) Jack Ledger, Reggie Creed, Rory McCormack and Lucas Attew.Players from Hockering Boys at ESF Festival of Football: (Top row, left to right) Tobi Amadasun Jnr, Finlay Garwood, Thomas Lordan, (bottom row, left to right) Jack Ledger, Reggie Creed, Rory McCormack and Lucas Attew. (Image: Kay Amadasun)

It was as exciting for the team’s manager, Tim Garwood, who is a massive Liverpool fan.

“I was starstruck, he was one of my boyhood heroes,” he said.

“I'm so proud of the team, it's a long way from our first ever game, we lost about 40-0 and I said, that’s how we will play. It's been a lot of hard work, but the boys have bought into it and learnt a lot, this win is a credit to them all.”  

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Watton & Swaffham Times: Players from Hockering Boys at ESF Festival of FootballPlayers from Hockering Boys at ESF Festival of Football (Image: Kay Amadasun)

The team has been together since under-six level and has grown as a collective. Even more impressive they are currently one game away from finishing their domestic season unbeaten.

Assistant coach, Tobi Amadasun, whose son plays in the team, added: “To see the children experience that and win after all the hard work is incredible.”

The boys are already prepping for a busy summer, with 18 tournaments planned across the country.

Even better, they will travel to the FA’s base at St George's Park in Burton upon Trent, to play in the grand finale against other tournament winners from across the country.