Burnley FC striker Jay Rodriguez special guest at Burnley College

All children who took part had their shirts signed, and the England Under 21 international also posed for photographs.

Fundamental Coaching aim to engage children and parents to become active through play and sport programmes, alongside the University of Central Lancashire, Youth Sport Trust, Change4Life, NHS, Sure Start Children’s Centres and local primary schools.

Creative Director Kieran Fletcher, who also plays for Padiham, said: “Fundamental Coaching develops children through creative soccer and play.

“Sessions for tots aged between three and five develop fundamental movement skills essential for long term player development, and we then provide exclusive junior soccer-specific coaching programmes for children aged between six and 12, forming links with grassroots and professional clubs, providing opportunities for children of all abilities to shine.”

The scheme, which has been backed with a Children in Need grant for £18,800, has met with approval from MP Gordon Birtwistle MP, who sent Fundamental Coaching a letter of acknowledgement pleased with the impact sessions are having on the local community.

For more information about Fundamental Coaching and their work, visit www.fundamentalcoaching.co.uk, or contact 07784 298974 or 01772 895205.