A group of young footballers from Wolverhampton had a hugely exciting morning at the Community Football Day at Ross-on-Wye Sports Centre on Saturday, September 3rd.

Sam Thorne, who has only just moved to Ross with his family, is a keen footballer and desperate to learn some new ball skills from world record holder, Ash Randall.

Learning his football freestyle skills growing up in Cardiff, Ash has refined them through years of practice and now earns his living putting on amazing, unique football freestyle displays.

He has taken his skills all around the world and regularly performs during half time slots at football stadiums around the UK. He also often appears on television and has 18 Guinness World Record titles.

The opportunity for Sam to have a coaching session with Ash was one his parents could not miss, so when Sian and John Thorne were visiting Ross prior to their move, they completed the competition in the Ross Gazette.

They brought Sam, his two brothers and seven of his friends from Wolverhampton for the day to claim their prize.

Despite the terrible rain the youngsters really enjoyed their session and even in a short period of time onlookers could see how tuition combined with practice had really improved their ball control.

This event was just one of the many actvities organised by Ross Juniors Football Club for their Community Football Day. Although it was a very wet day the event at Ross Sports Centre was a great success.

Hundreds of young footballers took part in training sessions, fun activities and friendly matches during the morning.

Martin Hudson, President of Ross Juniors Football Club, together with Patrons of the Club, Joyce Thomas MBE DL, and Paul Deneen OBE JP DL attended the day, and although tempted, decided that the weather was too bad for them to have a go at football zorbing.

They told the Ross Gazette that they are very grateful to everyone at Ross Juniors Football Club for the most enjoyable event which was sponsored by McDonalds, as part of its support for the Football Association.

They said:?“It was great to see superb attendance on Saturday at the Ross Sports Centre, where there was an action packed array of activities and matches, as well as excellent catering. It proved to be very popular and was a most successful day which was enjoyed by all.

“Particular thanks to Paul Flitney for arranging the day itself, and to Jim Loftus, Vanda Nixon and the committee, the players, the parents and carers, the volunteers, the supporters, and members of the community who attended to support this special event.”

Photographs of this event, taken by a Gazette photographer, are available to purchase from this website. Click on the View and Buy photos option to the right of this page.