FOOTBALL-MAD youngsters will have new opportunities to hone their skills after a school teamed up with a Premier League club.

Woodlands School, in Nethermayne, Basildon, has entered into a two-year contract with the West Ham United Foundation.

This will see the school used as a base to encourage children in the area to get involved in a number of sports, including football, basketball and rugby.

To celebrate the event, the school and football club organised a tournament, attended by Ghyllgrove Junior School, Janet Duke Primary School, St Anne Line Junior School, Fairhouse Junior School, Vange Primary School, Kingswood Primary School, Lee Chapel Primary School, Willow Primary School and St Teresa’s Primary School

The winners of the two tournaments were Lee Chapel and Vange Primary, who were presented with their trophies by two professionals from West Ham’s under-23 team, Sam Howes and Moses Makasi.

Headteacher Simon Cox said: “This is a great opportunity to work with the community and to celebrate the partnership with West Ham.

“This is not just about sport, as the foundation will also work with us in literacy and numeracy lessons and also about making safe decisions in life.

Michael Ward, senior football development officer at West Ham United Federation, added that the level of football on display throughout the tournament had been great.

He said: “We had about 100 children here and they have all enjoyed themselves. Not only have they been playing football but they have also been being referees.

“It is great to bring the club to Basildon and provide the community here with these opportunities.”

Midfielder Moses, 21, said: “It is great to be here supporting the school and children. I hope they are inspired to realise they can achieve.”

Goalkeeper Sam, 18, added: “It is good to see them enjoying the sport.”