Local football legends Martin Gray and Alun Armstrong have announced this week that they are joining forces to deliver first rate football coaching to local youngsters. In partnership with Darlington Football Club, they will also launch the much anticipated Martin Gray match day Academy, which marries together expert football coaching with the added bonus of a FREE match ticket to the Darlington FC home games.
Both ex-professional players have themselves risen through the ranks of grass roots football to play at top flight and, as such, understand the importance that the right coaching can play in the progression of young footballers. As experienced coaches who both hold UEFA pro coaching licenses, the highest accreditation in football coaching, Gray explains, “I pride myself on the fact that my team deliver the best possible coaching experience to every child as an individual. My specialist coaches, are also part of my Darlington FC coaching team and include Assistant Manager Brian Atkinson, defensive coach, Sean Gregan and goalkeeping coach, Tony Norman. Together with the rest of my team they provide enjoyable, skill based coaching that, above all else, is fun for the kids who take part.”
The move to the fantastic 3G indoor pitches at the Alun Armstrong Soccer Centre in Shildon comes at the right time of year for the many parents who already bring their children along to the Academy sessions. Karl Hume who attends with his 3 boys said, “The prospect of being sheltered from the Great British weather and being able to enjoy refreshments from the on-site café is much anticipated!”
With Gray’s links to both Darlington FC and Sunderland and Armstrong’s firm ties with Middlesbrough, this partnership will undoubtedly provide the best progression prospects for young talent in the area.
The BRAND NEW Academy sessions start on Tuesday 9th October and will run every Tuesday and Friday between 5pm – 6pm at the Alun Armstrong Soccer Centre in Shildon. The sessions are suitable for both boys and girls from 5 years old and new faces are always welcome. More information can be found at www.martingrayfootballacademy.co.uk or by emailing mgfa@hotmail.co.uk
