COACHES from Arsenal Football Club brought some world cup glamour to Swindon.

Seventy-three children, aged between five and 11, learnt new skills and took part in competitions and challenges, under the supervision of professional footballers at Abbey Meads Community School.

Lisa Parkinson, one of the organisers of the Football Fun World Cup day, said: "This is an excellent way for children to stay active and motivated throughout half-term.

"We had five coaches, who are all affiliated with Arsenal Football Club, and they guided the kids through lots of fun activities.

"They really enjoyed themselves and will all be getting certificates to take home to their parents."

Activities on offer included competitions for skills, technique and balance, as well as every Englishman's worst nightmare - the penalty shoot-out.

Others included the crossbar challenge, in which the aim was to hit the bar from as far away as 43 yards.

Ten-year old Chris Austin, was one of those who took part.

He said: "It's really difficult to do, because normally you're trying to miss the bar.

"I've had a really good time today - the coaches are friendly and the games are fun."

Danny Collis, also 10, took part in the skills competition.

He said: "It's much better than being at home - I definitely want to do it again next year."

Ashan Holgate was one of the five coaches putting the kids through their paces.

Ashan, an ex-Swindon Town player, said the event was a good way to motivate young players.

He said: "You can see how excited and motivated the boys, and girls, are to be doing professional exercises.

"Hopefully some of these kids will be pulling on an Arsenal, or a Town shirt for real one day."

Ashan explained that the coaches, led by Cambridge United defender Wayne Hatswell, regularly run after school and holiday courses.

He said: "Normally we do three-day events, so this is kind of a taster of what we do.

"We try to make sure that the kids come out of it with some new skills and seeing real improvement, as well as having a good time.

Certificates and Arsenal goodie bags were handed out to the children, watched by proud parents, at the end of the event.

There was even a mock World Cup for budding John Terrys and Steven Gerrards to practice their winning poses.