Stars from Watford Football Club have turned out in force to pass on tips to young people attending football training sessions through Onside St Albans, a project set up to engage young people in a range of sport and cultural activities.

Top footballers, Scott Loach (Watford FC and England Under 21 goalkeeper) and Jordan Mutch (Watford FC central midfielder), surprised young people attending a football training session in Wheathampstead with a visit on 23 November 2010. The following day Adrian Mariappa (Watford FC centre back) and Lloyd Doyley (Watford FC full back) made an appearance at a football session held at Sandringham School, St Albans.

The young people were given the opportunity to ask their footballer heroes questions about playing the game at a professional level. The footballers also joined in some fun games and signed Watford memorabilia.

The visits were a reward for the young people for their consistent attendance, attitude and application during the football training sessions which form part of the Onside St Albans project.

The project is organised in partnership by Watford Football Club Community Sports and Education Trust, St Albans City and District Council, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire County Council and aims to engage with young people between the ages of 8-16 years by offering a wide range of activities including football, sports, music and art sessions, match day activities, inter-estate matches and opportunities to gain coaching qualifications.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure at St Albans City and District Council, said: “Participation in the Onside project has proved to be a valuable opportunity for a lot of local youngsters. Meeting and talking to their footballing heroes has given them a first-hand insight into what is involved in being a professional sportsman.”

Onside St Albans was launched in July 2008 and delivers two nights of activities every week in six areas of the District: Batchwood, Batford, London Colney, Marshalswick, Sopwell and Wheathampstead.

To get involved in the Onside St Albans project, contact Sam Mitchell on 01923 496350 or email: [email protected]