Students' excitment at football team surprise

Students got the autographs of many of the players

"Everyone was so loud, everyone was so excited."

That was one Year 6 pupil's assessment of the mood once her class realised they were being taken to the home of their local football team, Oxford United.

The team surprised students from the city's Pegasus Primary School by bringing them by bus to the training ground to take part in their annual team photo, as well sign photos and have a kick-about.

Student Barakat said she "didn't really know that much" about what surprises were in store, but said she was "so excited" to meet the team.

Macy (left) and Barakat said they were excited to meet the players

Another student, Macy, said some students began to suspect where they were going when they were on the bus.

"Everybody started cheering, it was really fun... I was so excited," she said.

"I think it was a really good surprise and I'm so happy I get to be here."

Students joined players for their annual team photo

And the meet and greet was not just a surprise for the children - teacher Laura Deacon said she was "kept out of the loop", too.

She described the students' excitement levels as "just a jot down from before Christmas".

"They are beyond excited," she said.

"A lot of us round here are huge Oxford United fans... my children are going to think I'm very cool."

Head coach Des Buckingham said events like this connected the team to the local community

Head coach Des Buckingham said it was "a nice event".

"To be able to involve the local community and the local schools... it's a real nice touch trying to connect us a little bit more with our community," he said.

"A football club is a representation of the area that it's from and it certainly is the case in Oxford."