Soccer mad youngsters in the Malvern Hills area will have the chance to develop their ball skills at a series of after-school training clubs.

Former professional John Hodge, from Worcester, has launched a coaching course for children aged five to 15.

Last month, he took his Simply Soccer training sessions to 15 schools in Malvern, Ledbury and Bromyard and is now looking for more schools to sign up to the programme.

The former player Manchester United player recently bought an Arsenal franchise to endorse his soccer schools with the club's training programme and merchandise.

"The Arsenal association enables me to link football mad kids with a big club, even if they don't support Arsenal!" he said. "They can also benefit from a well thought out, tried and tested programme."

The 12-week coaching course teaches children about everything from ball control and goalkeeping to warm-up and cool down exercises.

Children can also take part in a match day experience, where for £50 they will be taken to Highbury, enjoy training sessions at the Arsenal Soccer Centre, watch the match and meet some of the players.

"It's a fantastic scheme and I hope that many more school children will be keen to get involved," said Mr Hodge.

The sessions cost £3.30 per child per session. Mr Hodge is also looking for coaches to join the programme. For further details, contact 07743 813882.

Soccer mad youngsters in the Malvern Hills area will have the chance to develop their ball skills at a series of after-school training clubs.

Former professional John Hodge, from Worcester, has launched a coaching course for children aged five to 15.

Last month, he took his Simply Soccer training sessions to 15 schools in Malvern, Ledbury and Bromyard and is now looking for more schools to sign up to the programme.

The former player Manchester United player recently bought an Arsenal franchise to endorse his soccer schools with the club's training programme and merchandise.

"The Arsenal association enables me to link football mad kids with a big club, even if they don't support Arsenal!" he said. "They can also benefit from a well thought out, tried and tested programme."

The 12-week coaching course teaches children about everything from ball control and goalkeeping to warm-up and cool down exercises.

Children can also take part in a match day experience, where for £50 they will be taken to Highbury, enjoy training sessions at the Arsenal Soccer Centre, watch the match and meet some of the players.

"It's a fantastic scheme and I hope that many more school children will be keen to get involved," said Mr Hodge.

The sessions cost £3.30 per child per session. Mr Hodge is also looking for coaches to join the programme. For further details, contact 07743 813882.