OLD Trafford coach Luke Ross is a community hero - and his contribution to his neighbourhood has now captured in a comic strip.

Football giants Manchester United chose Luke as their 'Kicks hero' as part of the Premier League's celebration of the 10th anniversary of its Kicks social inclusion programme.

Manchester United Foundation community development officer Luke's efforts were recognised when foundation CEO, John Shiels presented him with a comic strip illustration, designed by Marvel and DC Comics artist John McCrea, which told his story.

Luke joined the Kicks sessions at Old Trafford Sports Barn when he was 16, and soon realised his passion for coaching.

With support and guidance from Manchester United Foundation staff, he completed a sports science course at the nearby college. Now a full-time coach with the foundation, Luke now heads up the Kicks session he attended as a participant 10 years ago at Old Trafford.

Luke said: “Football has always been my passion and my drive to want to play as much as I could, was what led to me joining my local Kicks session.

"It was only through the encouragement of the coaches there that I realised what my real ambition was - coaching. Kicks has helped me realise my potential and achieve something I could never have imagined.

"Now I can wear the Manchester United club badge proudly as an employee and not just as a fan.”

John Shiels, CEO of the Manchester United Foundation added: “Luke is a great example of how the power of the club badge can engage young people. It’s a testament to the staff working here that we could assist Luke in realising and achieving his dream to go into coaching.

"It’s been great to see his transition from participant to the lead coach on the Old Trafford Sports Barn Kicks sessions. I hope that his story helps inspire more young people locally to get involved.”

Premier League Kicks is a youth outreach programme with the aim to create safer, stronger and more respectful communities through the development of young peoples’ potential, whilst giving young people access to facilities, coaching and mentoring.

In its first decade, Premier League Kicks has engaged more than 180,000 young people in weekly football, sport and personal development sessions held at community venues across the UK. Sixty-eight Premier League, English Football League and National League clubs now run the programme.