Youngsters are being given the chance to experience life as a professional footballer thanks to the AFC Fylde Community Foundation.

Working in partnership with Cuadrilla and Centrica, the Foundation is currently running the second year of ‘Train Like A Pro’ for local youngsters.

‘Train Like A Pro’ is a bespoke football development programme which was launched at Mill Farm during the recent home game against Altrincham.

It focuses on working with 12 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.

The programme is unlike any regular football camp as is centred directly around how professionals train. Participants not only learn new football skills and enhance their knowledge of the game, but are also educated on the importance of good health, nutrition and physiotherapy to support and improve performance.

The Foundation, Cuadrilla UK and Centrica have now officially started the second year of ‘Train Like A Pro’. They are currently training and working with ‘Lancashire Attack’ football team for the first half of this week before moving on to ‘St Anne’s FC’ giving each team the chance to improve skills, up their game and get the feel of a real professional environment.

Foundation Director Tom Hutton is delighted with the return of Train Like A Pro. He said:” It’s a fantastic programme and something that I’m really glad to see the return of. The first day of ‘Week One’ has been fantastic and I’m really excited to see the rest of the weeks unfold!”

For more information and news stories please visit www.afcfyldefoundation.co.uk or keep up to date with all of our updates on twitter @afcfct.