Coach enjoys busman's holiday

Bream Bay United youngsters were treated to some top-notch instruction when visiting professional football coach Jim Colston, from the United Kingdom, took two sessions at Ruakaka Recreation Centre.
President of Bream Bay United Mike Swords said to have someone of Colston's calibre teaching players aged eight to 16 as well as volunteer coaches of the teams new skills, was hugely beneficial to the club.
Colston was on holiday for a week in Northland and volunteered his time to take two free sessions on Monday and yesterday, which proved a hit with the youths  who turned up at Ruakaka.
"It was a fantastic opportunity to get some new ideas and new drills for parents who coach teams - and he has taught the kids it is all about having fun with the ball," Swords said.
Colston is the director of coaching at the Southern Association Football Academy in Sussex and has been involved in various levels of the game for 14 years. Many of his charges at the SAFA have gone on to play at various professional English clubs including Arsenal FC, Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC, and his advice was well received by the keen youngsters.
Last year, Bream Bay United 120 juniors playing in the Northland competition achieved some creditable results, and plan to improve on their results in 2010, Swords said.
Any players interested in joining Bream Bay United should contact Mike Swords on
027494 8413.