A HOST of Academy players and staff were on hand to help out during Burton Albion Community Trust’s Train Like a Pro Day at the Pirelli Stadium.
Scholars from the under 18s side visited the 3G pitch at the Pirelli Stadium, where youngsters took part in training sessions and were given coaching sessions and tips by former and current players.
The Young Brewers helped to referee matches, while also generally lending a hand to ensure that the day ran smoothly.
This is not the first time that the Academy and the Community Trust have worked together. Aside from having a close working relationship, the Academy have taken part in a number of Trust events in the past.
Academy Manager Dan Robinson and Player Performance Coach Shaun Barker also attended the session and helped gave advice to the youngsters as they played.
Robinson said: “We are a club that , through and through, has everybody together. The Trust, the Academy and the club itself, that (togetherness) is a really important part of Burton Albion. Seeing everyone running around today and enjoying themselves is a fantastic thing.
“It is really important because this is the beginning of the pathway for players to progress. We are here as Academy staff, we have under 18s scholars here overseeing some of the practices.
“We are looking at these boys not just at how exciting it is that they are having fun, but also if there is anyone that could be a potential future star for the first team!”
Scott Taylor, BACT’s Football Development Manager, said: “It is a testament to the everyone in the Academy and the work that is being done, not only within the Academy but with the Community Trust as well with supporting what we do.
“It is a main focus of our work in the future. The benefits for the children to see the likes of Dan Robinson, Shaun Barker and other people from the Academy to be able to come down and support what we are doing is fantastic and hopefully that will be good for us moving forward.”
Scholars Ethan Vale and Kyle Clamp believe that giving children something to do during school holidays and half-term is just one of the important things that the Trust provides within the community.
Vale said: “It gets you up and outside. I think as a kid, you are itching to get outside. It is important because you need that enjoyment and release from school.
“School holidays can be boring, so with this event and the summer events it is just really enjoyable and you can make new friends as well.”
Clamp said: “It is really important because some of these players could end up coming into the Academy. So for young players like this it is really important that the Trust and the Academy have a strong connection.”