Disabled youngsters have been treated to a tour of Arsenal FC’s training grounds.

Football-mad students from Hendon School in Golders Rise and Oak Lodge School in Heath View glimpsed life as a Premiership footballer during a behind the scenes tour of Arsenal's training grounds in Bell Lane, London Colney.

The visit, organised by Barnet Azzurri Football Club, which provides football for boys and girls under the age of 18, came after the students were given the chance to play in a disabled football tournament.

The inaugural Gavin Brooke Barnet Disability Cup was backed by England and Great Britain cerebal palsey footballer Gavin Brooke.

Mr Brooke said: “The day was a great experience for everyone involved. Everybody played with a smile on their face, which is what football should be all about. I was really proud to be part of it."

The event, which took place at the Powerleage Stadium in Friern Barnet, was sponsored by Barnet Borough Council.

Each of the 32 children, aged between 13 and 16, received their own kit as a keepsake of the tournament, free coaching sessions and the chance to form Barnet Azzuri’s first disability football team. 

Nick Cook director of Football for Barnet Azzurri said: “This was a great motivation for us to provide a football programme for players with mild disabilities. We believe this will be the first of many opportunities we can provide for disability football.”

Michele Limerick, who teaches at Hendon School, was pleased by how much the children enjoyed the day. 

She said: “It was lovely to see how they socialised so well with the Oak Lodge students and all became 'team players'. They have already asked about next year.”

The next Gavin Brooke Barnet Disability Cup will take place on March 7, 2014.