The local youngsters from New Mills Junior Football Club and City girls took a trip to the Premier League champions training ground in Carrington to practice their skills at a free soccer school organised by the Club’s Foundation, City in the Community.
They were unaware that they were soon to be joined by Samir Nasri, Fernando and Karim Rekik.
Ahead of the Community Shield clash against Arsenal on Sunday, their arrival was met with a wave of excitement and delight that set the atmosphere for the rest of the afternoon.
The soccer school students then took to the pitch for a rare training session with their football idols that covered drills and challenges but it wasn’t long before they were learning some new one-on-one skills from their football idols. The group were also joined by 1966 World Cup legend, Sir Geoff Hurst.
City in the Community’s soccer schools are one of their most valued programmes. They provide free, fun football coaching in a safe environment where young footballers of all abilities between the ages of six and 14 can perfect their skills during the school holidays.
“I enjoy getting involved in City in the Community activities,” explained Nasri. “They give me an opportunity to talk to our younger fans. I also get to relax and have fun on the pitch with them. You can tell they’re having a lot of fun!”
Rekik, who is now back at City after being on loan to PSV Eindhoven in Holland, echoed Nasri’s enthusiasm for the day’s events: “Our young fans are an important part of what we do and how we perform on the field, so it’s great to hang out with them.
“When you see how much they look up to you, it motivates you to play your best during every game. It has been a great day.”
Each year, the two participating clubs at the traditional pre-season showpiece at Wembley receive a donation from the FA Community Shield fund.
“The donation will help continue the provision of City in the Community programmes including football projects but also skills and enterprise, community cohesion and health projects delivered by the Foundation.
To find out more about City in the Community, visit mcfc.co.uk/community.
