Soccer with Sam

OLD HEAD ON YOUNG SHOULDERS . . . 19-year-old Sam Coleman (front centre) who coaches at Hollinwood JFC, Chapel Road playing fields

TEENAGER Sam Coleman enjoyed his football so much as a young lad, he has now decided to set up his own soccer school.

School sports coach Sam (19) runs training sessions under the wing of Hollinwood JFC, and youngsters aged three to nine flock to the Chapel Road complex every Thursday evening.

EXCELLENT

Word is clearly getting around that Sam is an excellent coach who not only develops players, but also actively encourages enjoyment as the primary objective.

He welcomes all players regardless of ability and indeed disability, with a number of players having conditions such as dyspraxia and autism now training at Chapel Road.

About 50 children regularly attend the increasingly popular sessions, and Hollinwood will be entering new under-sevens and under-10s team in a league next year.

Hollinwood already have under-sevens, under-eights and under-10s teams who compete in the East Manchester League.

About 10 coaches join Sam at his sessions, which also include 'Soccer Tots' that takes children as young as three.

Sam, who is grateful for the support and faith shown by Hollinwood FC club stalwart Ken Evans since 2015, said: "I just enjoy my football and by starting this coaching programme I saw it as giving something back to the community.

"My dad Dave always coached me and I loved being part of that."

New players are always being sought for Hollinwood's junior teams.

If you are interested, contact the club via the numbers listed on the Pitchero site.

• Check out more pictures of Hollinwood JFC on our picture sales page.