A FORMER professional footballer passed on his soccer experience to youngsters at a Bishop Auckland school this week.

Jon King, who played for Nottingham Forest, Carlisle United and Hartlepool during his career, held the half-term course at Bishop Barrington School.

Mr King, who runs Soccer King courses, has been holding the sessions across Wear Valley for the past three years, since leaving Sunderland AFC's academy.

The youngsters learned football skills as well as taking part in competitions during the two-day course, which began on Monday.

Some of the children have also signed up for a residential soccer school, which Mr King is helping to run in Berwick, Northumberland, in the summer.

The five-day course runs from July 24 until July 28 for boys and girls aged nine to 15, and costs £259 including accommodation, coaching and prizes.

The youngsters will be supervised 24 hours a day by qualified former professional coaches, staying at Berwick Holiday camp and playing on the pitches opposite.

For a place, or for more information, call Mr King on 07795-024333.