ENTERPRISING students met two football stars as they came within a whisker of winning a national competition.

Students from Woodbridge High School in Woodford Green travelled to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United FC, for the national final of the Premier League Enterprise Challenge.

The group of 15-year-olds – Adam Cane, James Dobran, Jamie Minns, Florence Tolson and Tom Pearson – qualified after winning the London heat last year.

For the final they had to come up with ideas to help Fulham FC reach out to young fans in the community.

Their ideas included using mobile phone applications for disabled fans and sponsoring training days for young players.

The club was so impressed that the pupils have been invited back to make a presentation to the board of directors on January 28.

Despite finishing in second place the team had a day to remember, which included meeting Manchester United defenders John O'Shea and Chris Smalling, who signed for the Red Devils from Fulham in the summer.

James Dobran said: “It was the experience of a lifetime and an opportunity not to be missed."

Woodbridge teacher Safina Khatun said: “I’m so proud of their achievements. They have got long and successful careers in business ahead of them.”