A TEAM of high school pupils made the starting 11 as they joined the Manchester City Football Club for a special training session.

The 11 Year 7 and 8 students from St Monica's RC High School's girl's football team spent the day with the Man City women's team, recently crowned Continental Cup winners, after being chosen by the school for their exceptional sporting abilities and keen interest in the sport.

During the day the girls and school staff members took a tour of the Etihad Stadium, including a trip down the tunnel and onto the pitchside.

They also met the club's women's first team after watching them train, and were shown the training pitches and academy complex.

At the end of the tour the girls were presented with a signed football used by the players during training, which the school plans to display in its trophy cabinet.

Caroline Burke, cover co-ordinator at St Monica's said: “ The whole experience was unbelievable, and it is a day that will stay long in the memories of the girls."