Seagulls kids' football scheme is off to a flyer

Sessions run every Saturday at the Woodhorn Farm football pitch, Oving, during term-time from 9.30 to 10.30am and are completely free thanks to the sponsorship from the Woodhorn Group and their managing director John Pitts.

The club are open to everyone of all ages from reception year up to Year 11. Coaching is done by fully-qualified Albion In The Community staff.

For further details, contact Mark Pedrick on 07725 915280 or at [email protected]

Meantime, players from Brighton’s community football development centres in West Sussex have returned from a successful tour to Holland competing in the JVC Cup.

Players from the Westergate and Chichester development centre, with players from other local centres, made up four teams.

Players from the 10/11-year-olds’ squad did very well. In the elite group, the boys finished a very respectable fourth, and the second team topped their middle group, winning all their games without conceding a goal.

The 12 and 13-year-olds played excellent 11-a-side football and claimed third place.

The 14 and 15s missed out on a play-off spot by one goal but beat the local JVC team to finish third.

Dave Green, West Sussex development officer, said: “This tour was all about giving them a fantastic experience to help them in their football development. Everyone played their socks off and fully deserved the credit they got.

“The facilities were first-class and everyone had a fantastic time, which finished with a tour of the impressive Feyonoord stadium.”

Sandy Parkinson at Hyde Martlet sponsored the youngsters with a new kit, while John Pitts allowed the Woodhorn Group pitch to be used for training.