FORTY youngsters have been improving their football skills with the help of professional coaches.

A team from Sunderland AFC travelled to Bedale Leisure Centre for a day-long session with boys and girls aged between four and 14.

The coaches ran several small-sided games and best goal competitions and taught ball skills, penalty shoot-outs and goalkeeping skills. Youngsters were also rewarded for improvement and attitude.

"It was great to see so many children keen to learn or improve skills at a young age, especially as many of the pupils were girls," said the leisure centre's assistant manager David Sharp.

"Sunderland AFC have already confirmed they will be back during the February half-term holidays. This course will run alongside the centre's other children's activities during the week."

The next course will run from 10am until 3pm on February 17 and 18.

Call Bedale Leisure Centre on (01677) 427272 for booking details.