It may be the close season but there is plenty going on in Football in the Community.

Sponsored skills days are proving very popular, providing a day of fun for the children and also revenue for the participating schools.

The days are organised in much the same way as a sponsored walk. The children take sponsor forms home and raise money from being sponsored by their parents and friends to learn five different football skills. The 'Chris Billy roll', the 'Adam Murray step over', the 'Peter Murphy drag back' and the 'Brendan McGill scissors'. Carlisle United fitc coaches come into the schools to teach the youngsters these skills and by the end of the sessions the youngsters have gained some football knowledge whilst enjoying a new experience. The schools also benefit from the sponsor money.

The photos show children from Kingmoor school receiving their gifts from Paul Weller and Keiren Westwood, the school gained £1800 from sponsorship which they will use for new equipment.

Another venture by the fitc team allows schools to bring a group of children to club. After 90 minutes coaching in the Neil centre, the children have lunch in the old Community office above the pitch before getting a guided tour of Brunton Park

The photos below show St James School receiving gifts and certificates from Derek Holmes and Keiren Westwood with coaches James Tose and Matt Graham, before a quick break for autographs.