Sean McGurk and Mateo Joseph recently paid a visit to the Leeds United Foundation Skills Centre based at West Riding FA to spend time with the young aspiring footballers taking part in their weekly session.

The Under-21 duo were on hand to offer advice, answer any questions and have a kickabout with the youngsters, as they all continued with developing their skills and improving their footballing abilities with the support of the Foundation coaches.

During the visit, Sean McGurk spoke to LUTV and said: “It’s been brilliant today, every time I come and do one of these visits it’s great to see the smiles on the kids faces and seeing how happy they are just playing football and that’s what I’ve said to them just now that the main thing is for them to have fun and enjoy it at this age.

“Quite a few of them said that they’d been to see us play last season at Elland Road which is great for us to know that they’re watching us and are interested in how the Under-21s are doing, to know that they know who we are and they look up to us is mad to me and Mateo, but it’s great.”

Teammate Mateo Joseph added: “It’s great because I’ve been in the same position as them, and to see their faces and that they are so happy to be here and especially as we are only players of the Under-21s team, that was a really nice feeling.”

The Skills Centre programme is suitable for all young ages but is especially beneficial for players aged between five and 14. There are currently four venues hosting Skills Centre sessions, with each centre focusing on four main areas for development, including ball control, movement, passing/receiving and attacking/defending.

All of the Foundation coaches that deliver the sessions are FA qualified and DBS checked, and they not only help participants to improve their individual skills but also help them with their creativity and to develop their confidence - encouraging them to work hard and always be respectful to others, whilst always having fun.

The four different locations set across Yorkshire, include:

King James High School (HG8 5EB): Every Monday from 6 to 7pm

Horsforth Leeds Trinity (LS18 5HD): Every Monday from 5 to 6pm

Leeds Trinity (Inner city) (LS9 7QL): Every Tuesday from 6 to 7pm

West Riding County FA (LS26 8NX): Every Thursday from 5 to 6pm

If you would like to book someone onto one of the courses, please follow this link: Leeds United FC: Tickets, Hospitality & Membership.

Or if you require any further information around the Skills Centre initiative, please contact Skills.Centres@leedsunited.com.