THE Wilts FA held its first-ever football futures week-long event at Beversbrook, Calne recently.

The programme aims to recruit and develop young leaders in order to develop a skilled football workforce within Wiltshire.

The county authority has over 80 young leaders on the programme aged between 13 and 17 who are currently volunteering in a variety of roles in football.

More than 40 youngsters attended at the camp where they took part in workshops and courses delivered by the FA skills team.

The programme of events was designed to develop the youngsters’ skills base and the week culminated in a charter standard football festival for 42 clubs from under sevens to under 12s, and the festival was refereed by the young leaders.

Dave Buckley, Malmesbury Youth Under 9s Tornadoes said: “The young leaders did a great job, my boys really enjoyed themselves.

“Our lads really enjoyed the tournament on Saturday and pass on a massive thank you to both the WCFA and the Football Futures young leaders for making it such a success.”

Wilts FA football development officer Emma Small added: “The week has been a fantastic success with over 40 young leaders gaining valuable experience in a number of areas involved in running and coaching football.

“The commitment and contribution from the young leaders throughout the week has been excellent and they can all be very proud of their achievements.”

Anyone currently volunteering in football who would like to get involved in the football futures programme should email Emma Small at Emma.small@wiltshirefa.com or Adam Greaney at adam.greaney@wiltshirefa.com, or phone 01793 486047.