HALF-TERM brought out young footballers by the dozen for Barrow AFC Community Sports' coaching sessions.

Over five days at Furness College – both inside the sportshall and outdoors on the 3G pitch, one much warmer than the other – they came and enjoyed themselves with the club's coaches.

Craig Rutherford, Brad Hubbold and Jamie Hodgson put the eager five to 11-year-olds through their paces, splitting them into groups based on age and ability.

The youngsters dashed out onto the 3G pitch, keen to get going, and there were cries of encouragement and frustration as they put the skills their has been working on in the mornings into practice with some afternoon games and matches.

More than 30 children attended each of the five days of the camp – with a total of 44 booked on during the week – and even if they had to keep running to stay warm at times in the cold winter weather, they were obviously happy to do it.

The coaches had them well-drilled – from wearing layers and having the right footwear, to using the best techniques when controlling the ball and urging them on when they were going for goal.

The Mini Squad, All-Stars and Hot Shots groups – the names assigned for the various age groups – all played alongside each other, with slight variations on the same games and pitches differing in size to allow for their ages.

This was the first full week of activities held indoors and out at Furness College under the new AFC Community structure, with the hope to repeat it in future school holidays.

Plans are also in place for the Easter and summer camps to include the chance to play on the pitch at Holker Street as well.