Lucky students at a Woodford Green school got to meet and train with two of Tottenham Hotspur’s star players.

American international Brad Friedel took a training session with 24 youngsters from Bancroft’s School in High Road Woodford Green.

His team-mate, Belgian star Jan Vertonghen, watched the school’s under-15 side go through their paces and also took part in a question and answer session with year 10 students – conducted in French.

During the visit Friedel was presented with a cheque to donate to the charity of his choice and thanked pupils and staff, telling them he would donate the money to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.

Co-Curricular Head at Bancroft’s, Chris Butler, said: “Although Bancroft’s is very much a rugby playing school, it is great to see our pupils enjoying and playing a wide range of sports. 

“The session focussed on goalkeeping skills specifically, but it also helped to reinforce the team ethic which is so important to a child’s development.”

Bancroft’s first XI goalkeeper Peter Smith, 17, added: “Brad Friedel covered lots of points, including things I hadn’t really thought about before. 

“The session definitely challenged some of my ideas.”