Coaches from Blackburn Rovers have returned to the island to train young players following the success of last year’s training camp.

The Championship side, which won the Premier League in 1995, has a connection with Douglas Royal AFC, which will be playing in Manx football’s JCK Division Two next season.

For the trip, three coaches from Blackburn Rovers’ Community Trust visited the island from Wednesday May 1 to Friday May 3.

During that time, the club held training sessions with the pupils at Onchan, Ramsey and Peel Clothworkers schools, where as well as football skills, the children were taught the importance of healthy living, eating and staying active.

The visit didn’t cost the pupils or the schools as Blackburn Rovers and Douglas Royal covered all costs of travel and accommodation.

Paul Glover of Douglas Royals said: ’The visit has been organised by myself and other members of Douglas Royal because Blackburn Rovers have visited the island twice before to run soccer camps which have been well-attended by local children.

’The same coaches regularly visit primary schools in the Blackburn area to give lessons to children, and after writing to all local primary schools to enquire if they would be interested in taking part, the three schools said that they would, and so the visit was arranged.’

As well as running the events at the schools, the clubs organised an evening session at the Bowl, which saw 40 youngsters receive training from Blackburn’s Category One (highest level academy) coaches.

Paul added: ’The name of Blackburn Rovers, a former title winning side, and six-time FA Cup winner , is a big one which attracts more parents and kids to it.

’We have another soccer camp coming up during the summer holidays and from conversations with the schools, they would like to see more done with them too.

’The kids love it, the schools loved it, Blackburn love coming here, so hopefully it can grow and get bigger.’