Catford-based Matthew Thomas, 23, scored eight goals and scooped the Nivea "Man of the Match" award as his team trounced Italia Wasthills 4-1 in the final.

Tom Miller, the National five-a-side chief executive, said: "The Catford regional heat was very successful with just under 1,000 players involved. Picking the man of the match was a difficult task, but Chris' skills were outstanding."

Matthew himself was delighted with the award and said: "It was a tough tournament with a high level of competition amongst the teams. But I really enjoyed the whole day and I hope we do just as well in the National Finals in July."

The tournament is the biggest five-a-side competition in Europe and the finals, held in London in July, will attract a number of celebrity teams as well as the best amateur clubs in the land.