Former international footballer Chris Birchall set up the Allstars Academy for four to 11-year-olds earlier this year – with the emphasis on the fun side of the game. Now JCB has stepped in to sponsor the initiative in Newcastle-under-Lyme to provide essential kit as well as water bottles, hoodies and certificates for youngsters who complete 10 sessions on the pitch at The Orme Academy in Milehouse Lane, Wolstanton.
And participants got a special surprise at this weekend’s coaching session – an appearance by British Triple Jump Champion and JCB-sponsored athlete Ben Williams, who represented Great Britain at the Olympics at triple jump.
Chris, 37, a Children’s Mentor for the Port Vale Foundation, played for Port Vale, Coventry and LA Galaxy, as well as starring in the 2006 World Cup for Trinidad and Tobago, where his mother was born. He said: “It’s been a difficult time, really hard on youngsters, and playing football is one way of getting them outside to be active with the added benefit of boosting their mental health.”
Former midfielder Chris, of Newcastle, added: “I appreciate the effort JCB is making to recognise what I am doing. People will be inspired to see that a massive company like JCB is caring for the local children in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent area.”
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The work Chris is doing with youngsters is inspiring. He gives up his Saturday mornings to bring enjoyment to the kids of the area and it’s great that JCB is supporting such a brilliant initiative.
Ben Williams |British Triple Jump Champion
Around 100 youngsters have joined the Allstars Academy since it was set up in May and Chris emphasises that the Academy welcomes youngsters with no experience of kicking a ball, and the training is fun-based with laughter and jokes.
He said: “It’s not all about ability. Some players come just for the fun of it, there’s no pressure. Local clubs like Stoke City, Port Vale and Crewe Alexandra as well as Manchester City will no doubt be keeping an eye out for any hidden gems."
The Academy runs three sessions on Saturdays and on Sundays. Anyone wishing to attend should check out Chris Birchall’s Allstars Academy on Facebook or contact Chris via email: allstars2021academy@gmail.com