It took a lot of hard work for students at Barking Abbey School, from east London, to emerge from heavy competition to represent West Ham United at the semi-finals of this year's Premier League Enterprise Challenge.
They joined other students from across the country to deliver business ideas on how to encourage 18-23-year-old fans to attend Premier League matches.
The challenge has not only had a positive impact on them at their school, but has also handed the youngsters important life skills for the future.
"They have learnt so much throughout about themselves, about others and how to speak in public," said Alex Brooks, Head of Year 8 at Barking Abbey.
"The confidence and leadership skills they have learnt really are invaluable."
Barking Abbey's team first won a local heat to become West Ham's representatives at a semi-final held at Brighton's Amex Stadium, where they had to impress a panel of judges with their presentations and business plans.
"The confidence and leadership skills they have learnt really are invaluable"
Only one team could go through to the final, which takes place at the London offices of EY on Monday, 18 March.
It was not to be for Barking Abbey. As well as a commendation from the judges for their presentation to take back to east London, the students were full of pride at what they had achieved and of the experience overall.
"I'm happy we got this far," said Omar. "I can take all this knowledge back home, harness it and maybe start my own business."
The Premier League Enterprise Challenge is run in partnership with Sport Relief and has been in operation since 2008, with more than 35,000 young people engaged to date.
