BIRCHEN Coppice School claimed the honours in the first #PrideofWorcestershire KHFC World Cup, staged at Aggborough Stadium.

The community school, based in Kidderminster, came out on top after seeing off the competition of 15 other teams from across the area in a unique tournament staged by Kidderminster Harriers.

As part of their ‘#PrideofWorcestershire’ campaign, the Harriers invited more than 100 children in years five and six to the stadium to play out a series of World Cup based matches, with the theme centred around this summer’s tournament in Russia.

Each school was assigned a team to represent after a draw was made by two senior Harriers players Joe Ironside and Fraser Horsfall and the matches were played in four mini pitches on the main Aggborough surface – each renamed after a Russian venue.

After a Group Stage, quarter-final and semi-final, it was Birchen Coppice – playing as Belgium – beat Lickhill who represented Senegal 3-1 in an exciting match.

Event organiser James Long hailed the success of the inaugural event, saying: “It was a great day and we were so excited to welcome so many teams from the local area here.

“We saw some great football with a great mix of boys and girls… we want to drive these days further forward and are looking at more girls’ and boys’ tournaments next year.

“We want the community involved with our club and, as we move forward, we want to do it together – that’s why we’re the Pride of Worcestershire.”