A COACHING academy set up by an England footballer and his younger brother has been launched to give something back to the grassroots game in St Helens.
Launched in late October, the 'Conor Coady Academy' has been set up by Leicester City footballer Conor and his younger brother Harrison, to deliver one-to-one training and private sessions to grassroots teams around St Helens and Widnes.
With ten England caps and more than 300 professional games under his belt, St Helens-born Conor said he feels it is the "perfect time" to launch the academy in his hometown, which has had "fantastic feedback" so far.
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Conor, who went to Bleak Hill Primary and Rainford High School, said: "The Academy is something I've always had my mind on, to work with Harrison and give something back to the place where I grew up.
"The big focus for us is grassroots football. I have three boys and I know how stressful it can be for coaches, who are usually the player's dads, coming home from a full day's work and having to think about training sessions.
"So hopefully we can take some of that stress away and deliver sessions from mine and Harrison's experience in the game."
While Conor expressed how lucky he is to have enjoyed the professional career he has had - which has seen him become the Premier League captain of Wolves, play a huge part in Everton's top-flight survival, and earn caps for his country - he also stressed the vital importance of Harrison's role in the Academy.
Taking on the role of lead coach, Harrison grew up in the academy set up at Liverpool, before moving on to Everton and then Morecambe.
Despite the knock-backs of being released, Harrison retained his love for the game and has gone on to earn his UEFA B coaching badge, as well as picking up experience in Manchester City's youth setup.
Describing his brother as a "top coach", Conor has also earned his UEFA B coaching badge, and the pair hope to grow the Academy further by taking it to more grassroots clubs and schools across the borough, and taking on more coaches with a love for the game.
Growing up in St Helens, this is what has made the experience so special for the two brothers, who hope they can inspire the next generation of footballers from the town.
Conor, who grew up in Haydock and played for Rainford Rangers, added: "One of the best things for me so far is going back to all the pitches I played and trained on growing up, and seeing the feedback from the young lads and girls.
"People don't often have the chance to speak to footballers, so when I'm there I'm always willing to answer any questions they have, because I'm proud to be from this town and I want to show people that if you really want something, you can go and get it.
"So the Academy is not really about me or Harrison, it's about the young footballers and people of St Helens."
For more information about the Conor Coady Academy, you can visit their Facebook page here.
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