Leeds United Academy trio Jacob Render, Louie Dudley and Will Firth recently attended a fun-filled Soccer Camp, helping to coach and inspire youngsters at the start of their footballing journeys.

Delivered by the Leeds United Foundation, these camps run across the region during the school holidays and use the power of the sport to help children develop their skills both on and off the field, whilst meeting new friends and making lasting memories.

Despite the windy conditions on the morning in Garforth, there was no drop off in levels of enjoyment from everyone in attendance, with the Under-21s’ players getting involved in exciting matches and drills.

The trio also answered questions from the youngsters and offered important bits of advice, before posing for photos and signing shirts.

“It was really good to see everyone enjoying it,” attacker Jacob Render explained. “It is great to see so many kids enjoying football because that is the main part of it when you are young. It is good for us as well to try and inspire them.

“They were all Leeds mad! It reminded me of when I was a young lad, so it was really nice seeing them all really happy and enjoying it. There were a few that were really good as well! Hopefully they can keep it up in camps like this and just keep loving it.”

Daniel Crawford, Sports Participation Officer at the Leeds United Foundation, added: “To have the players integrated into our community through our camps is such a huge thing for the club. We are able to connect players who are at the start of their journeys and players who will hopefully be representing the club at an elite level soon.”

Attending the morning was not only beneficial for the children according to the Player Care Lead at the club’s academy, Callum Williams, who believes sessions like the camp are important for the players’ progression away from the pitch.

“It is huge for them to see what is going on in the community and the impact the badge and the club has on the area. It is important seeing how much the kids the benefit from it, can rely on it, and feel involved and connected.

“Connection is the big thing and it keeps them in touch with the roots of the club and the city. The players can be in a bubble up at Thorp Arch so having them out of their comfort zone, mixing with new people and speaking up is huge for their personal development. Hopefully it can improve them as people, which is what we aim to do.”

More information about the Soccer Camps can be found HERE.