A young Chester resident is following his dream of becoming a professional football coach after landing the opportunity to help train Chester FC’s first team squad.

Jay Gilmartin has been gaining an understanding of the in-depth coaching carried out in training sessions thanks to the club’s partnership with Sanctuary Housing.

The 17-year-old Sanctuary resident has assisted with the planning of the training sessions under the watchful eye of head coach and chief executive of Chester FC Community Trust Jon McCarthy.

As part of Sanctuary Housing’s agreement with Chester FC, the club’s Community Trust delivers and supports community investment activities, including outreach football and multi-sports sessions in Sanctuary’s neighbourhoods across Chester.

Jay, who is currently attending sixth form at St David’s High School in Saltney, spends his weekend training the junior teams and playing for Lache FC, and has recently applied to university to study sports coaching so he can continue his learning.

He said: “I started playing football from a very young age and have always had a passion for it. I’m really keen to get involved with football coaching, as I would like to follow a career in this area. This is a great chance for me to develop my skills and use the ones I already have.”

Jon McCarthy added: “We have enjoyed supporting Jay during the first steps of a career in coaching. He is currently studying for a coaching qualification at college and wanted to observe the Chester first team squad at work. Jay has had access to the planning and preparation required at this level. We have asked him to prepare session plans detailing the work that he has observed and we are working with him to improve his understanding of the coaching process.”

As a result of his work, Jay, who has recently completed his FA Level 1 football coaching qualification at the University of Chester, has been offered the opportunity to support the Chester FC Community Trust coaching staff in their forthcoming soccer schools programme.

To apply for Chester FC tickets please contact resident involvement officer Ann Dooney on 01244 305424 or email: ann.dooney@sanctuary-housing.co.uk