SOME players could still qualify for the World Cup - table top footballers that is.

Smoby in conjunction with Wagon Wheels have organised the nationwide competition for children, the ultimate prize being tickets for the World Cup finals in France later this year.

Professional clubs across the country have adopted schools and youth associations to represent them.

On Friday Charlton Athletic community officer Jason Morgan took a Smoby table top football game to Greenwood School in Plumstead so the youngsters could battle it out for the honour of representing the Addicks.

After five hours of non-stop soccer, involving almost 100 children, the eventual winner was 10-year-old Paul Edwards.

He defeated Kieran Gilleran in the final and was awarded a medal.

Greenwood PE teacher Belinda James said the event was a great success. "It was absolutely brilliant and Charlton have donated the football table to us which is marvellous," she said.

Paul will now play as Charlton Athletic in the national competition where he has the chance to win World Cup tickets.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.