A NUMBER of youngsters from the Vale were among a squad of budding footballers who enjoyed a special trip to the Football Association's national centre - St George's Park in Staffordshire

The youngsters, who attend development centres run by PG 10, were able to train in the £105m facility which is set in 330 acres of Staffordshire countryside. The home for England’s 24 national teams, the facility encompasses 11 outdoor pitches, a full-size indoor 3G pitch, a suite of rehabilitation and sports science areas, an indoor Futsal sports hall and an on-site Hilton Hotel. It provides world-class facilities for all England teams and a host of other clubs and individual players.

Players were put through their paces in technical sessions by top qualified FA coaches and also met the entire Norwich City FC first team squad and Romanian giants FC Steaua Burchresti.

Peter Griffiths, of PG10 Coaching, who organised the event along with former former goalkeeper Neville Southall, Wales' most capped player, said: “This was a wonderful chance for the children to train in a world-class training facility and to experience the detail and commitment needed to make it to the top in professional football."

To get involved in PG10 activities, visit www.pg10coaching.co.uk, telephone 07955270870 or email petegriff10@hotmail.co.uk