Manningham Mills Sports Association reckon they have created something of a record when it comes to Football Association Level One coaching.

Byron Francis, centre manager at the Scotchman Road site, said: "It is the norm for 18 or 19 players to attend West Riding County Football Association courses for community-based organisations like ours.

"But, under the guidance of the West Riding County FA's Nikki Copeland, we attracted 26 candidates, including students from St Bede's School, under-17 players from Campion Football Club, who are based with us, and even a local police officer."

The course is the country's most popular coaching course and is the ideal introduction to coaching.

Participants do not need experience to take part - just an interest in coaching and the motivation to improve their skills and understanding.

Byron said: "The course started with an induction evening on November 7 and has gone very well.

"It includes practical coaching, external assessment, First Aid and child protection elements, plus the laws of the game, player and coach development and how to deal with soccer parents.

"It is all part of giving something back to the community and the great thing is that so many of our new coaches live locally."