As part of an award from the Football Association, the Manchester Jewish Soccer League top brass enjoyed a VIP night watching England’s footballers secure World Cup qualification by beating Poland at Wembley.

The MJSL was recognised as the best grass-roots league in the region in the award, promoting equality and respectful behaviour.

MJSL life vice-president Tony Sheldon said its 200 players, plus managers, had “embraced the idea, both within the league and local football community, that the game is played in the right spirit”.

FA Respect manager Dermot Collins said the league was one of the best in the country in working to influence “the behaviour of teams and individuals and in doing so helping to ensure the continuing health of our national game”.

As a warm-up for their Wembley date, the MJSL party visited the JC-sponsored “Four Four Jew” exhibition at Camden’s Jewish Museum.