A school football team forbidden from playing in a prestigious tournament because their parents watched them play have had their ban overturned.

The Cornwall Schools' FA is permitting the Year 8 Newquay Tretherras football team to play in the County Cup after the school apologised on behalf of parents for breaching covid rules.

The youngsters had been given the boot after defeating Helston School in the Year 7 County Cup final 4-1 at Callywith College in Liskeard after parents were spotted watching the match from behind a fence.

The players' tears of joy were initially turned into tears of misery after the Cornwall Schools' FA notified the team they would not be permitted to take part in the Year 8 County Cup, which kicks off in January.

Parents argued the decision was not fair play as Callywith College’s protocol is to allow visitors on site once students have left.

They were even given a ticket to watch the final by the school’s caretaker and were reportedly told by Newquay Tretherras they could spectate.

Newquay Tretherras appealed against the Cornwall Schools' FA decision following the huge disappointment.

Natalie Hazeldine, whose son Jarvis was the captain for the Newquay Tretherras team in the final, said: “The Year 8 boys football team at Tretherras is now back in the County Cup and I would like to thank the Voice for its help with highlighting this issue.

“I believe that Newquay Tretherras made an apology on behalf of the parents that attended the final but the email/letter had gone astray which is why it took so long to sort out.

“I’m just glad the decision has been overturned and it’s a good outcome for the boys.”