TWO local youngsters, Steven Dymond, who attends Sandford School and Billy Stone, who attends Newton St Cyres Primary School, took part in the annual Arsenal Soccer Schools 3v3 World Cup Tournament at the Emirates Stadium, London, along with six others from Devon. They were selected through their hard work, attitude and ability since attending their local Development Training Centre in Exeter. Adam Hayman, Devon co-ordinator for Arsenal Soccer Schools, explained: "It is great to offer such unique opportunities to children who deserve to be recognised for their commitment to physical activity. These children have been following our structured training programme at the Development Training Centre and earned the right to represent Devon and play at the Emirates Stadium. "These children started out at either an After School Club, Holiday Course, Mini Gunners or Progression Centre programme. The youngsters were able to test themselves against some of the most talented youngsters in their age worldwide. Every summer Arsenal Soccer Schools from all over the world go to London for the 3v3 World Cup. With International bragging rights up for grabs, 32 teams - 130 football mad youngsters in total - attend from as far afield as Bahrain, Kuwait, Singapore and Egypt to compete against UK Arsenal Soccer Schools in the Under - 11s day-long tournament. As well as international bragging rights, the 3v3 champions have the chance to return to the Emirates Stadium the following season to watch an Arsenal home game and take part in a pitch - side presentation. Before the tournament started the children experienced their team talk in the Emirates Stadium changing rooms, where their idols would receive team talks. Then they had the chance to run through the Arsenal tunnel out onto the sacred Emirates Stadium pitch. The children even met the FA Cup that Arsenal won this year. For more information on Arsenal Soccer Schools in Devon, please visit: http://www.playthearsenalway.com/southwest">www.playthearsenalway.com/southwest and search for a full list of their courses or contact 01823 253773.

Some of the Devon young footballers with the FA Cup that Arsenal won this year, from left, Billy Stone (Newton St Cyres Primary School), Steven Dymond (Sandford School), Adam Hayman (Coach) Archie Knox and Billy Knox (All Saints Primary School, Newton Abbot).