By Nick Clowes

MANCHESTER United striker Michael Owen cast his eye over a selection of future England hopefuls as Lewisham Youth FC enjoyed a dream day out at Wembley Stadium last week.

The Lewisham U10s were representing the London Football Association and joined more 700 children from across the country at the annual McDonald’s National Football Festival as 55 Charter Standard grassroots clubs were invited to strut their stuff at England’s HQ.

Lewisham youngsters enjoyed an action packed day of coaching and mini-tournaments, including expert tuition from former West Ham United midfielder and FA Cup winner Geoff Pike.

And manager Tom Ward was delighted his side were offered the once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Having events like this has got to be a good thing and all the kids really enjoyed it,” said Ward.

“There was lots of stuff to do away from the football and to get the chance to play football against teams from around the country at Wembley is unbelievable.”

The National Festival, which is part of McDonald’s football programme, involves sponsoring over 4,500 football clubs and coaching more than one million children.

Lewisham, who play in the Bexley & District League, graced the hallowed Wembley turf just 24 hours after England captain Steven Gerrard had lit up north London with a breathtaking double as Fabio Capello’s men beat Hungary 2-1.

And Owen, who joined World Cup winner and McDonald’s Director of Football Sir Geoff Hurst at Wembley, is hopeful some of the youngsters on show might be back pulling on an England shirt in the future.

“It’s fantastic to see so many children here enjoying their football,” said Owen, speaking on behalf of McDonald’s, an FA Official Community Partner.

“It’s a festival of football so it is all about enjoying the sport and getting a chance to play at Wembley is a superb opportunity.

“I’m sure we’ll see one or two go on to play football at a high level but at this stage it’s about the children enjoying themselves.”

Cos Constantinou, local McDonald’s franchisee, said: “I’m delighted that a team from Lewisham has had the opportunity to play at Wembley and meet football legends like Michael Owen and Sir Geoff Hurst.

“These are fantastic occasions that will no doubt prove unforgettable for the kids involved.”

McDonald’s supports football in Britain’s communities, providing more opportunities for anyone to volunteer and qualify as community coaches plus increasing access to free qualified coaching for youngsters everywhere.

For more information, visit mcdonalds.co.uk