Women’s football idol Claire Rafferty surprised students at an Oxfordshire school with both the men’s and women’s FA Cup trophies.

The former international footballer, who appeared 100 times for Chelsea, as well as playing for England and in the 2012 Olympics, helped run a training session for pupils at Cokethorpe School in Witney yesterday (February 5) morning.

The ex-Lioness also brought along with her the two FA Cup trophies with pupils able to have pictures taken with the famous cups before attending an assembly with questions for the former footballer.

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In her career, the 35-year-old won the Women’s FA Cup twice while also picking up two Women's Super League titles at Chelsea.

She told the Oxford Mail: “It’s been incredible.

"It’s a great initiative and a great opportunity for me to speak to young girls and boys to try and encourage them to get involved in football and for them to know it is possible to become a professional footballer.

“It’s one of the most important things to encourage schools to run football programmes for young boys and girls.

“More particularly the girls. When I was younger I didn’t have that opportunity.”

Oxford Mail: Claire Rafferty coaching at Cokethorpe School

The Women's FA Cup was founded in 1970 and first began with 71 entrants.

The competition now has 456 teams.

Ms Rafferty added: “The fact that every team enters the tournament means there’s a possibility to get as far as they can.

“It’s really important to influence grassroots to have a bigger talent pool when it comes to women’s football.

“It’s like a dream. I would have loved to see the FA Cup trophies at my school. I didn’t have the opportunity.

“To be able to see it kinds of brings the fairy tale of the FA Cup to life.

“Of course, the fact I won it myself means I can tell kids the stories around that and how it was a dream for me.”

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Director of sport at Cokethorpe School, Jack Robinson, admitted the visit from the former FA Cup winner had been “sensational” for the pupils, especially the girls.

Oxford Mail: Claire Rafferty with Cokethorpe School pupils

He said: “A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be inspired by someone who has created a genuine legacy in women’s football.

“Claire Rafferty gave our pupils her time, wisdom, and valuable advice.

“I don’t think there’s a single member of our girl’s football team going home without a huge smile on their face today.”

He added that the presence of the FA Cup trophies created a “real buzz” at the school.

The opportunity was made possible by a partnership between Sports Directory, an educational supplier of sports equipment, and British football brand Mitre who ran a nationwide competition for schools to win the visit and access to the famous trophies.

Chris Kemp, general manager at Sports Directory said: “It’s great to get the chance to give back to schools and bring opportunities like this into the community.

“Helping to supply quality equipment for PE lessons up and down the country is a big part of what we do, and it’s brilliant to witness firsthand what a difference an opportunity like this can make to future footballing stars.”

Ian Cartwright, senior national account manager from Pentland Brands said: “It’s been amazing to see so many pupils inspired today, getting excited about their football and the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

“We’re passionate about all levels of football, and grassroots is where the love of the game starts for many players.

“We’re thrilled to have played a part in making today happen and hope that Cokethorpe goes on to offer a future Lioness.”