Stacey partakes in Premier League Kicks

Joining in with the youngsters, the defender partook in some technical skill challenges, before signing autographs for the children and answering some questions detailing his rise to becoming a Premier League footballer, with the session then ending with a series of fun matches.

Having spent time out in the community, Stacey spoke with afcb.co.uk: “It’s really good. All the kids here are having a great time playing football and learning skills. I tried to teach them some tricks but in the end they were teaching me! Some of them had some good step overs and the Cruyff Turn so hopefully the Bournemouth scouts are here.

“You start off playing football just to have fun with your friends and from there anything can develop, I got involved with this programme and it’s been great to come along.

“In football people come from all different backgrounds to come and compete and have fun.”

The sessions at Rossmore are free of charge and all are invited to join at the two age-group sessions, with no need to book in advance. They take place at 5.30-6.30pm (aged 8-13) and 6.30-7.30pm (aged 14-19).

Also at the session was Matthew Butcher from Bournemouth & Poole College, who gave details on why the college wanted to support the session in the Poole area.

“Premier League Kicks is absolutely the sort of programme we want to be involved in,” he said. “In the same way that we train and develop the next generation in a range of different careers, this is the next generation of football talent.

“That makes it an obvious match so it’s something we’re really excited to be involved with.

“The kids get an awful lot out of the programme, they’re developing their skills. They’re also very attentive, I’ve been very impressed by how much they listen and focus on improving their skills. That’s always encouraging to see.”

For further details on these sessions and all of the great Premier League Kicks sessions across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole just click here. 

PL Kicks Poole is supported by Bournemouth & Poole College who are an official partner of the Community Sport Trust. The college sponsors the programme in the Poole region, became partners with the Cherries in January 2019 and has sites at Lansdowne, in Bournemouth, North Road and at Tower Park in Poole.