A football coaching programme in Stoke-on-Trent launched by a professional player is proving to be a hit with youngsters. 

Crewe Alexandra midfielder Conor Thomas said Stoke-on-Trent was a natural choice when looking to expand his football academy beyond its existing programmes in Crewe and Sandbach. 

The sessions have brought together several professional and semi-professional footballers to help train the next generation of players in the men's and women's game. 

Conor told Stoke Nub News: "It all started because my barber was asking me to for a one-to-one training session for a kid and I said I'd do it in the off-season and then in the weeks after he brought two kids, then three - so it began from there.

"I think I'm in a privileged position because I have been able to grow this organically and instead of focusing heavily on the business side of things we can keep the prices as low as we possibly can. 

"And the coaches that help out are doing it for the right reasons as they already play football professionally as well.

"Most of our coaches play professionally or semi-professionally so it is quite unique really, especially for Crewe fans as well to be able to come and see us do sessions in the week."

Individual and smaller group training sessions, at Stoke Powerleague, take place on Friday evenings and group sessions at the Crewe Development Centre on Thursday evenings. 

The training sessions in the city are taking place at Powerleague Stoke. (Supplied)

The team are also hosting a four-day Easter training camp at Shavington Leisure Centre over the Easter school break. 

The sessions which started in Stoke recently are already proving to be a hit with kids and parents alike. 

Conor added: "The sessions have been very popular so that is why we have expanded to Stoke.  

"We've been in Stoke for two or three weeks now and everyone enjoyed it and everyone who has come along has been new players. 

"We're trying to do a good thing in the community offering good coaching that players maybe wouldn't have access to because we have people who know what is expected and the standards that the clubs have.

"The training programmes haven't even been going for two years so it has snowballed quite quickly really and we're really happy to be able to do something in the community for the next generation." 

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