Young Sussex footballers have come together for an intense week of football coaching at the annual Ardingly Residential Course.
Over 50 aspiring footballers spent the week boarding and playing football at Ardingly College to develop their skills with experienced Level 3 coaches, while getting a taste of life as a professional footballer.
The players who impressed throughout the week have been invited to join the Development Centre with a chance of being picked up by the successful Albion Centre of Excellence; responsible for nurturing current first-team players Adam El-Abd and Tommy Elphick.
Alongside the coaching, players followed a specially tailored diet similar to Gus Poyet's first-team, and got the chance to take part in organised activities every evening.
The boys, aged between nine and 15-years-old, got the opportunity to put first-team manager Gus Poyet and assistant boss Mauricio Taricco on the spot during a question-and-answer session with the South American duo.
Mid Sussex football & sports participation officer, Scott Harrison organised the event, and told seagulls.co.uk, "It was a really successful week, and there was a real progression from all the players as it went on.
"There were players that showed great potential, and they now have the chance to progress further with the Albion in the Community development centre, improving their chances of being taken on by a professional club.
"I would also like to give a special thanks to Gus and Mauricio. They gave up their time to support the event, and they made a massive impact on all of the lads."
