Skilled pupils teach aspiring footballers

The pupils that play for Ashington Cougars are active participants in the FA’s young leaders and volunteers programme, ‘Football Futures’ where avid players can coach or referee games for younger groups at FA Charter Standard Development club.

Ashington Cougars FC Club Secretary, Daniel Fuller-Smith, said: “The eight lads have been very useful to the club helping to run our Summer tournament, coaching junior groups, assisting at Chelsea Soccer Schools and refereeing matches.

“It has been great to see them grow and develop as they have been put into a position of responsibility and four of them are going on to attend an FA level one course in June.”

Adam Lamport, Will Kerr, Timmy Moore and Joe Brooker are now all qualified referees.

Adam who is out most Sunday mornings refereeing matches in the Arun and Chichester League, confided: “I really enjoy taking charge of a game and the challenge of performing to the best of my ability.”

The activities have also been useful to support Adam in his application for a Sport BTEC.

Joe Brooker is equally enthusiastic about his involvement, he said: “I am currently helping out with the Ashington Cougars under eights and really enjoy the experience. It’s given me more confidence, especially when a session goes to plan and you see the players using the new technique or skill that you have shown them.”

The students are taking GCSE PE this year and will be using the junior football leaders activities as part of their course submission.

Luke Talbot, Head of PE at Steyning Grammar School said: “They have all shown real commitment and dedication.”