So when the hat-trick hero of England's 1966 World Cup triumph pulled aside Stanground WASPS manager Dave Atkinson to commend his players on the quality of their football, his words carried plenty of weight.

Atkinson's Under 10 side had just beaten Wicksworth Colts from Derbyshire 2-1 under the watchful gaze of both Hurst and England manager Fabio Capello after being chosen to represent the Fenland League and Cambs FA in a the FA National Mini-Soccer Festival at the national stadium.

And having gone through the entire four-game event unbeaten and winning praise from a footballing Knight of the Realm, the city side will clearly never forget their big day out at Wembley.

Atkinson said: "We were so proud of the lads and the way they played on the famous surface.

"At the final whistle Geoff Hurst pulled me to one side and said what a good side the lads are and they played some good football which was excellent to watch.

"After the game the lads went up the famous steps to the royal box to be presented with their medals. To see the boys faces following in the footsteps of their heroes brought a lump to my throat.

"It was a magical day that everyone present will never forget and I would like to thank the Fenland League for nominating us to represent Cambs FA and to sponsors McDonalds and the FA for such a great day."

After winning two and drawing one game at Northwick Park close to Wembley, Atkinson's aces then got the chance to play their last game at the stadium itself.

And after going a goal down, the city side fought back with a low drive from Robert Miller to equalise before Jacob Venni fired home the winner to send the WASPS home buzzing.

More than 50 teams from around the country took part and it was Netherton Owls who represented the Northants FA.

Apart from the matches, there were a series of inflatable, fun-based skills stations to enjoy, as well as coaching courses led by former Manchester United youth coach Eric Harrison.

Netherton Owls took more than 60 players, parents and club officials, and one such player, Liam O'Connor, even interrupted his family holiday in Spain to fly back just for the day, not wanting to miss out on this once in a lifetime chance to grace the Wembley turf.