FOOTBALL can be fun for everyone - that's the message from Blackpool's Football in the Community team.

Its football coaching sessions at schools across the Fylde are more popular than ever with hundreds of children now taking part.

Children from the age of six upwards are welcome to join the sessions under the watchful eye of community officer Derek Spence and his team of coaches.

As well as visiting primary schools during the week they also organise special sessions for the school holidays which are popular with girls as well as boys.

For older children they run five mini-football centres at secondary schools in St Annes, Blackpool and Fleetwood with coaching courses every Saturday morning.

Youngsters who shine may be picked to represent the Blackpool's Football School of Excellence and play other teams each week.

But you don't have to be a budding Alan Shearer or Michael Owen to enjoy the scheme as project officer Derek Spence explained: "If we can find a future centre forward for Blackpool great, but the aim of the scheme is to help all kids in the community.

"Only a very small number of them will become professional footballers.

"But if we can make every kid who comes along a better player and let them reach their full potential we have done well.

"The main aim is for the kids to have fun and also learn skills about life.

"Bad behaviour will not be tolerated and playing in a football team teaches you discipline. As well as making them better footballers we want to make them better people."

The team are holding a special Christmas Cup bonanza at Bispham High School in the week beginning December 20.

All youngsters are welcome. To book a place contact Derek Spence or Lynn Foster on (01253) 403628.

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