NEARLY 50 boys and girls took part in a four-day FA Coca Cola Soccer Stars football development programme at Wootton Bassett, under the town's Community Soccer director Chris Kirkland.

The venue was St Bart's School, with the course being held on the cricket outfield and the flanks of the football pitch.

The children were coached in various techniques and then tested for their competence.

The topics covered were running with the ball, heading, dribbling, shooting, speed, and turns.

The results were encouraging with most children obtaining five stars and a few the maximum of six stars. Competition winners were Jenna McFadzean, Reece Kinnett, Niall Alstowe and Max Parker.

In the three groups the following were ACE winners for Attitude, Commitment and Effort Tommy Fowler, Niall Alstowe, and Max Parker.

For the PEP award, given for Performance Enthusiasm and Progress, the three group winners were Harry Warner, Jake Covey, and Joshua Dack.

Kirkland said: "This was a most enjoyable four days with groups that were keen to listen and learn and who displayed an excellent attitude and behaviour throughout the course.

"As one coach remarked, they were the best groups we have had, a sentiment I would support.

"The coaches, Ian Turner, Kirk McGinn, Jeremy Newton, John Grant, Phil Tearle, Matt Povey, Lauren Wallace, Jonny Aitkenhead, and Gemma French all played their part to ensure it was both enjoyable and highly successful."

The next course is planned for Tuesday, February 15 to Thursday, February 17 next year.