During May half-term Hartlepool United held three development days for 'talented and gifted' young footballers from all 29 primary schools in Hartlepool.

These development days were absolutely free of charge and were attended by around 250 children aged between 9 and 11 from the town.

Centre of Excellence coaches lead the two-hour sessions each day for the children.

A further three days were held during the first week of the summer holidays where any potentially gifted footballers highlighted during May were invited back to train each day with our Centre of Excellence players.

Once again the development days proved a huge success in the community whist also providing a great experience for the young boys.

We will look to build on this relationship with the schools in the town and hopefully in the future see more of our 'home-grown' players in the First Team.

The response from all 29 primary schools was absolutely fantastic and the Club wishes to once again thank everyone who was involved in the identification and organisation of the development days.