Graduates from an innovative training programme were treated to an extra special celebration thanks to AFC Fylde Community Foundation.
Following the successful completion of the ‘Train Like a Pro’ programme they were asked back to the football stadium at Mill Farm to mark the occasion in style.
The young participants from Lancashire Attack FC and Ripon Reds FC were invited to form a guard of honour when welcoming the AFC Fylde squad out onto the pitch before the highly anticipated clash against Kidderminster Harriers. They then joined the team for photos alongside Foundation Ambassador and champion boxer Scott Cardle rounding off a very memorable occasion.
Working in partnership with Cuadrilla and Centrica, the Foundation is currently running the second year of the highly successful ‘Train Like A Pro’ programme for local youngsters.
‘Train Like A Pro’ is a bespoke football development programme which gives local children and grassroots teams the opportunity to take part in sport in a professional football environment.
It focuses on working with local grassroots teams from across the Fylde Coast and as far afield as Preston, providing a unique opportunity for children to participate in a football training course at a professional standard.
Foundation Director Tom Hutton was delighted to welcome the graduates back. He said: “To see everybody that took part in this years first ‘Train Like A Pro’ programme come together and celebrate their success was really rewarding for the Foundation staff.
“It was a brilliant occasion and along with the visit by Foundation Ambassador Scott Cardle, was a day to remember for everybody.
“I’m really excited to get started with the next participants of the Train Like A Pro programme and, thanks to the support of Cuadrilla and Centrica, I’m confident the programme will continue to be a success.”
