The Colchester United first team squad surprised the children on the Football in the Community Annual Summer Camp on Tuesday.
Ahead of their day's training, Luke Prosser and the U's squad dropped into Shrub End and spent time with the children attending the five day summer camp.
They all signed shirts, balls and autograph books for the children, before posing for pictures and answering questions about being a footballer.
Over the course of the week, all the aspiring youngsters will be coached by the FITC staff, culminating in awards being presented on Friday afternoon.
U's Captain Prosser said of the visit: "It's one of the visits we look forward to every summer. The kids always look like they're enjoying themselves and it was great to see them all in their Col U shirts this year."
"We have been working extremely hard in the build-up to the start of the season, and it was great to break things up with the visit before we head to Florence Park for today's sessions."
There is a second Summer Camp running from 19th-23rd August, if you are interested in booking a place for your child/children, click HERE