As the school summer holidays descend upon us, the Essex Chronicle Series Ltd has teamed up with West Ham United's Football in the Community programme to give youngsters an opportunity to take part in coaching sessions throughout the county.

The coaching is aimed towards the 6-16 age group (boys and girls) and provides a safe and friendly environment for children of all abilities to enjoy football, with the emphasis being on fun and participation.

West Ham Football in the Community coach, Steve Tapley, said: "Each child will be entered into a group according to their age, and parents will be pleased that their child is being well looked after while learning the basics of football.

"On the last day of the course, parents are invited to watch the finals of the World Cup, that we stage for the youngsters, a penalty competition, and the awards presentations."

Steve added: "All our coaching staff hold recognised FA Coaching awards, and have attended a National Coaching Foundation Child Protection Course delivered by the Football Association, so we can guarantee that the youngsters will receive the relevant protection."

For players that reach a suitable standard, there is a chance they may be recommended to West Ham United's Academy.

Every child who attends the course will receive a t-shirt, and there will also be a chance to win a Hammers manager Harry Redknapp signed 1970's West Ham shirt at each course.

The course structure is (morning) (9.30am-11.30am) coaching all basic techniques, football, cricket or football, rounders, and a penalty competition.

There will then be a one hour break for lunch, and in the afternoon (the course finishing at 2.30pm) there will be a mini-World Cup competition.

The five day courses, which cost £38, are being held at Maldon Town Football Club, in Park Drive, Maldon (July 24-28), Marconi Sports & Social Club, Beehive Lane, Chelmsford (July 31-August 4), Broomfield Football Club, Main Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford (August 7-11), and at Gloucester Park, Basildon and Bower Park School, Havering Road, Romford (August 21-25).

There is also a four day course at the Marconi Sports & Social Club in Chelmsford (August 29-September 1) which costs £32 per child.

For an application form, or for further details, telephone 020 8548 2707, or West Ham FITC coach Steve Tapley on 07967 752260.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.