Earlier this week, Derby County players Cameron Jerome and Andre Wisdom pay a visit to the Powerleague Soccerdome where youngsters were practicing their football skills during the school holidays.
On the day, they visited the 64 primary aged kids who were taking part in a half-term coaching session.
The course, ran by the Derby County Community Trust, aims to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for primary aged children to practice their skills, take part in tournaments, make new friends and have fun while benefiting from a highly-skilled coaching team.
Both Jerome and Wisdom got involved in the session by taking part in a Q&A and signing session with the excited youngsters before participating in the afternoon’s tournament; managing teams and even having a kick about themselves.
Following his first community appearance since joining the club from Norwich City Cameron Jerome said: “It’s nice thing for the players to come and be a part of, some of these kids have been looking forward to having the guys down here and having a little kick around.
“It’s good that the club are such a big part of the community and its part and parcel of being a professional footballer nowadays to come and give something back.”
On the ethos of the sessions, he added: “At this age it’s all about participation, taking part, enjoying yourself and that fun factor.
“It’s good that the coaches also have that individual prize for someone that has stood out at the session; adding that bit of competition to something that is fun related – It’s a good set up all round.”
Following a kick around with the youngsters, Rams defender Wisdom said: “It’s been really good, obviously it’s not too far from the stadium and it’s good to see all the kids here playing games and taking the time to sign some autographs and stuff like that for them.
“I didn’t have as good a set up as this when I was a kid. It’s good for the kids, there are great facilities down here and they can come and get some coaching and well looked after whilst their parents are at work.”
Learn more about the Derby County Community Trust’s Holiday Coaching course: derbycountycommunitytrust.com/programmes/participation/holiday-coaching