COACHES from Altrincham Football Club helped to inspire some budding young players during a fun session at a local children’s charity.

Children from St Mary’s Primary School in Moss Side were given tips by the experts from the Moss Lane club during a sports themed residential break at the Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT).

The training session on July 4 lasted two hours and took place at the charity’s base just outside of Altrincham.

The 16 children, aged nine and 10, learned lessons in teamwork, ball skills, communication and goal scoring during their time with the coaches.

Many of them were so inspired that they are now determined to take part in training back at school as a result.

Caroline Whittaker, one of the charity’s play workers who took part in the session, said: “The children got so much out of this training session, they were so excited to meet the experts and learned many new skills.

"We’re so grateful to the coaches from AFC for taking the time out to visit, and for being so wonderful with our children. They’ll never forget this experience and many now have a renewed interest in football and sporting activities in general.”

During their week at the Millington centre the children also took part in sessions with young Paralympian Lottie Wilcocks as well as visiting the Halliwell Jones Stadium to meet and train with players from Warrington Wolves.

The charity provides holidays, daytrips and Christmas parties to children from all over the North West at ITS Cheshire base. They support children with a wide range of difficulties which prevent them from enjoying breaks, including those with terminal illnesses, complex physical disabilities, learning difficulties and sensory impairment, as well as those from deprived communities, victims of abuse and young carers.

Each holiday is provided free of charge thanks to the charity’s supporters who help them to secure the £1million in funding they require to change the lives of thousands of children each year. Sixteen children aged 9-10 years from St Mary’s stayed with the charity for this special themed week and enjoyed a full programme of activities designed to encourage an active lifestyle.