Verulam School’s U14 football team have received the backing of a Premier League star ahead of their national cup final.
Watford striker Troy Deeney broke off from his own FA Cup final preparations to wish the youngsters luck.
In a letter to the school he said: "We hear that your football team made it through to the final of the Elite National Schools Cup.
"What a result it would be if we both win our finals.
"To make it so far is a huge achievement so congratulations and well done from the team and staff here at Watford Football Club."
Verulam's game against Thomas Telford School takes place on May 23 at The Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion.
The boys have already tasted success so far this year with wins over Richard Hale and Sir John Lawes bringing them the county and district cups.
Last year they reached the semi-final of the National Cup, from nearly 1,000 entrants, where they were suffered a narrow defeat to Cardinal Newman School from Brighton.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here