It was a debut appearance at the Preston North End soccer school and activity zone for PNE's summer signing, Louis Moult following his January switch from Motherwell, and he alongside participants spoke highly of the holiday camp after paying it a visit recently.
Louis joined fellow new boys Billy Bodin and Connor Simpson at the camp alongside Josh Harrop, Daryl Horgan and Mathew Hudson who were on hand to meet participants, sign autographs and pose for pictures.
Whilst Horgan and Hudson paid the children at the activity zone a visit, the rest took to the pitches to play football alongside the kids who were desperate to meet with their heroes.
Speaking after meeting participants of the February soccer camp, Moult said: “These soccer schools are brilliant and it’s good to see smiles on the faces of the kids. Everybody was very welcoming and there was lots of good manners which goes a long way.
“These kids look up to us as footballers and it’s important that we set the right standards and that we’re good role models for these children.
“There was a lot of smiles on kids faces; they seemed like they were enjoying it – they were running about, exercising and enjoying it which is much better than sitting in their bedrooms playing on their playstation which seems to happen a lot.
“These things are brilliant – getting them out in the fresh air and mixing with other children, playing and laughing, that’s what it’s all about.”
North End fans Jack and Zach spoke in sync about how they’ve enjoyed their time at the PNE holiday camp, with both taking up the option of spending their week enjoying hours of football fun at the Community Training Centre on Tag Lane, Ingol.
“You do lots of fun stuff here and if you asked me if you should come here, I would say yes,” said Zach who was speaking prior to meeting members of the first team one afternoon.
“I’m excited to play football with the players and for lots of people to be happy and to get everything signed. My favourite player is Callum Robinson because he’s had lots of assists and goals which is good and he’s been helping PNE whilst he has been here.”
Zach was speaking alongside Jack who was also proudly wearing his PNE colours at the soccer school, and Jack matched Zach’s enthusiasm when told that the players were going to be coming to meet them.
Jack continued: “I’m excited about getting my t-shirt signed! So far I’ve done a match where I scored three goals and ‘double cuppies’ where I scored two goals.
“All the coaches are really nice and I would recommend that you came here.”
Jack, Zach and the rest of the children at the only official soccer school at Preston North End have the chance of doing it all again this Easter, where North End’s holiday camps will be running from Monday 26th March until Friday 6th April, excluding weekends and bank holidays.
Both weeks will be four day weeks meaning children can book on for the full four day week for just £40! Alternatively, it’s £12 a day per child from 9am until 4pm, with an early drop-off of 8.30am, and a late pick up of 4.30pm.
There’s also an activity zone which offers alternative child care provision to cater for youngsters who don’t like football, as well as a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Booking is now available for the PNE's Easter Holiday Camps, so to secure your youngster's place, contact PNE Community and Education Trust on 01772 693309 or email community@pne.com now.