The next generation of Isle of Wight footballers have been learning lessons from a former Manchester United and Premier League star.
Luke Chadwick, who made more than 500 professional appearances during his career, is visiting the Island with the Football Fun Factory.
It was set up in 2017, with the main goal being to pass on life skills — and football skills — to boys and girls of all ages, and all abilities.
Chadwick joined three years ago, having left his role as a coach at Cambridge United. This morning (Monday) he's been at Ryde Academy helping fellow coaches deliver the Island's first camp, led by Ryde's Danny Worboyes.
Chadwick told Isle of Wight Radio the sessions aren't so much about ability, but ensuring the children enjoy themselves:
"One of our main goals is putting football on people's doorsteps. In reality, this is our first overseas franchise with Danny in charge so we've come over here because it is his first football fun camp. But we want to have this everywhere.
"We absolutely love travelling around and there's nothing better as a football coach seeing children playing the beautiful game and having fun doing it.”
It's the second time the former Stoke City midfielder has visited the Island. He first came here at 15 years old, when he played for Cambridge Schools at the Isle of Wight Festival.
Throughout his impressive career, the 41-year-old has played under the likes of Tony Pulis and Alan Pardew.
But he says the most inspiring manager he's worked with has to be his former Manchester United boss, the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson.
"Not so much as a coach but just as human qualities there was no better manager than Sir Alex Ferguson. I'm incredibly privileged and grateful to have worked under him for a short period of time but so many life lessons were learnt during that period at Manchester United and the way that the club was run, hard work, humility and honesty.
"I was lucky enough to play with some great managers but I think the one that sticks out is Sir Alex who was an incredible football manager and person."
Football Fun Camps is being held at Ryde Academy all throughout this week.
Danny Worboyes
Danny Worboyes, who leads the sessions, is encouraging students to come along to experience fun football activities, including inflatables.
"From 9am to 3.30pm the kids are going to be running about enjoying themselves on the inflatables, we're going to be doing team bonding games getting to know the kids and getting to know each other. There's going to be lots of games.
"And then we're going to do arts and crafts and stuff like that. It's great fun!"
Sessions for the camps cost £25 per child. Danny also runs Tots classes. You can book a slot, here.
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