A U’S star took time out of his recovery schedule to surprise football-mad youngsters.

Colchester United forward Sammie Szmodics, who is recovering from a broken leg, visited children training at a Football Fun Days camp in Stanway.

After suffering the injury against Crewe Alexandra in March, Sammie was unable to join in with the training but did get involved in a question and answer session about what it is like to play professional football.

Daniel Mather, who set up Football Fun Days, said: “It was great to see my friend Sammie come along to see the children and give up his free time.

“I remember Sammie from when he was a young boy and being a Colchester United fan myself it is great to see him develop into a really good player and really good role model off the pitch too.

“l contacted him personally and it was great he replied and was up for coming.

“The children really enjoyed seeing him and couldn’t thank him enough.

“The camps mean a lot to me and it was great for the children to see a professional footballer.”

More camps have been planned for the Wednesday and Thursday of May half term.

For more information call 07585959529.