LFC Foundation community coaches visited Leicester City's King Power Stadium recently to complete a coaching qualification with the Johan Cruyff Foundation.

The course, 'Heroes of the Cruyff Courts', equips coaches with the skills and knowledge to inspire youngsters to take social action and organise sports events and activities within their local community.

Using football, the project aims to strengthen the bond between young people and their community, improve the physical and mental wellbeing of children and develop their confidence and life skills.

Local youngsters will create their own community sport event as part of an eight-week project, with the newly-qualified coaches supporting in key business functions such as financial budgeting, marketing, event planning and delivery.

Leah McAteer, LFC Foundation project lead, said: “It was great to learn the skills required to encourage youngsters to find their voice in sport.

“We hope that giving young people this responsibility will inspire their ambition to achieve, whilst also building their confidence both on and off the pitch.”

The Cruyff Foundation’s vision of improving the lives of children through sport closely aligns with LFC Foundation’s mission - creating life-changing opportunities for children and young people - and the relationship between the two non-profit organisations has flourished over the years.

Back in 2016, a Cruyff Court - a multi-use outdoor sports space designed to encourage children to play outside in a safe environment - was built at LFC Foundation’s base, Anfield Sports and Community Centre.

Earlier this year, LFC Foundation’s Premier League Kicks Football team successfully entered the Cruyff 6v6 Finals, beating the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Everton’s community initiative teams to be crowned champions.