Local grassroots football has been given a big boost with the appointment by Chesterfield FC of a new skills coach who will provide individual coaching and personal development for talented young footballers in the area.
Former Millers and Donny Rovers midfielder Sean Goodwin has been recruited to work with Andy Morris on the Chesterfield FC in the Community schools coaching programme, with Mark Jules and the football coaches in all age groups of the club's Centre of Excellence, and with youth team manager Dave Bentley and youth team scholars.
The aim is to ensure talented youngsters have the chance of getting individual coaching and guidance from the professionals and a clear pathway into the professional game via the town's own football league club.
Sean Goodwin said: "Too many local youngsters have bypassed the Spireites in favour of one of the bigger clubs in Sheffield, Derby or Nottingham but realistically their chances of making the grade is much higher here in Chesterfield."
"We have the infrastructure in place to ensure talented youngsters from age five onwards get the best possible encouragement and individual support when they need it from qualified coaches."
He added: "I will be supporting all age groups so local youngsters will get the chance to reach their full potential."
Youth team manager Dave Bentley said: "This additional funding from the Football League Trust ensures young local footballers who choose to be linked to the club will benefit most by the innovation of a dedicated skills coach being added to our football coaching team."
