THERE is a chance for local football-mad kids to learn from one of the best in the forthcoming school half term.

Few players are as revered in these parts as former Wanderers striker Kevin Davies, and the ex-England international is turning his hand to providing coaching for youngsters and their coaches.

The Kevin Davies Football Camp will see ‘Davo’ pass on some tips of his trade in a five-day course at the Essa Academy.

The former Wanderers striker and other highly-qualified coaches will be tutoring boys and girls of all abilities between five and 15 with the emphasis on providing quality coaching in a fun environment.

The five-day course is predominantly football but with other sports and games also on the packed agenda. As well as the physical activities there will be some special guests to talk about sport and healthy living, with plenty of games and competitions taking place. There are also plans to stage matches against teams from professional clubs’ academy teams.

The essence of the camp is to provide opportunities for a range of enthusiastic youngsters and bridge a gap between grassroots and academy standard players.

“We’re not just trying to attract the future professionals, we want to provide opportunities for all young players to develop and improve their skills,” Davies told The Bolton News.

“A lot of kids don’t always get the chance to do that and academies are not necessarily the right environment for some of them anyway.

“We want to deliver something that is between the academy and grassroots levels, and find a level that will benefit the kids as individuals and give them the opportunity to play against other teams in the area.

“We are trying to enhance what is going on around the area and provide quality coaching for boys and girls of all ages.

“We will be looking to develop their individual technique, skill, speed and agility, strength, stamina and tactical awareness and football intelligence.”

As well as improving players’ skills, the course can also benefit amateur coaches, something Davies is keen to do, given his links with local football and the good work already taking place.

“I’m a patron of the Bolton, Bury and District Football League,” he said. “I’ve worked closely with them for a number of years, they’re constantly trying to develop their coaches, so this is also an opportunity for coaches to learn from each other.

“We should be investing in our coaches and trying to improve standards. I’ve always enjoyed coaching schoolkids, I grew up playing in a school of excellence and I want to create an environment in which they can thrive.”

The half-term camp at the Essa Academy on Lever Edge Lane runs from October 23 to 27, from 8.30am to 4.30pm, and costs £20 per day.

To sign up email info@kcd.media.

There are also plans to hold weekly coaching sessions from the week commencing October 30. Places in each age group will be limited so those looking to join in should register their interest at the same email address.