FORMER Burnley striker Phil Eastwood now has another goal - providing fun and football for youngsters.

The Whalley-born forward is a head coach at Teamtheme who provide specialist after-school and summer camp football coaching for children.

Eastwood, now 29, is head coach for Yorkshire but also runs courses in parts of East Lancashire, including Blackburn and Burnley.

"I'm from Blackburn and I used to play for Burnley so it is nice to be working with children in the areas where I live and worked," said Eastwood who has been with Teamtheme for four years. "I spend a lot of time at schools and meet people who I grew up with who are now teachers."

Eastwood got to experience life as a professional footballer, although he was restricted to seven full first team appearances and one goal during his two years at Turf Moor.

But he is hoping his role as a Teamtheme coach could act as a stepping stone for youngsters to follow in his footsteps.

He said: "The main purpose of our courses is to make sure children enjoy themselves. But I think it is important that when a youngster comes to a soccer camp or attends after-school courses then they go away having learnt something, even if it is just one aspect of the game."

Eastwood, who played Conference League football at Morecambe and Southport and currently plays for Rossendale United, said children who show potential would be recommended to professional clubs in the area.

He said: "We have links with all of the professional clubs in the areas we work and will let them know about any young player who shows potential. It is important that more home grown talent comes through to play at the top."

Courses are being held throughout East Lancashire during the school holidays and for the first time, Teamtheme are introducing Multi Sports courses which will include cricket, basketball, athletics and handball.

"This is the first time we have used Multi Sports so it will be interesting to see how the children take to it," added the former Pleckgate High School pupil. "There will be a number of sports for children to choose from and we might just let them pick themselves. Whatever happens, it will be fun."

As well as providing football coaching, Teamtheme also concentrates on helping to build confidence.

"One of the things we do is to encourage children to bring in their favourite football top and stand up and talk about it. It is a very good way to build up confidence."

Courses are for boys and girls aged between four-to-12-years-old. Courses run 9am-4pm and 10am-3pm each day with prices £10 and £15 per day or £40 and £55 per week.

For further details contact Phil Eastwood on 07810 298188 or email phil.eastwood@teamtheme.com.

A list of courses dates and venues: July 23-27: St Josephs Primary School, West Close Road, Barnoldswick; Hameldon Community College, Byron Street, Burnley; Wensley Fold Primary School, Manor Road, Blackburn July 30-Aug 3: St Josephs Primary School, West Close Road, Barnoldswick; Hameldon Community College, Byron Street, Burnley; Lower Darwen Primary School, Milking Lane, Lower Darwen.

August 6-10: St Josephs Primary School, West Close Road, Barnoldswick; Hameldon Community College, Byron Street, Burnley; St Stephens Junior School, Phillips Road, Blackburn.

August 13-17: Casterton Primary School, Thames Avenue, Burnley; Lower Darwen Primary School, Milking Lane, Lower Darwen; Brindle Gregson Lane Primary School, Bourne Row, Hoghton August 20-24: Casterton Primary School, Thames Avenue, Burnley; St Josephs Primary School, West Close Road, Barnoldswick; St Josephs Primary School, Limes Avenue, Darwen.

August 27-31:Casterton Primary School, Thames Avenue, Burnley; Lower Darwen Primary School, Milking Lane, Lower Darwen; Brindle Gregson Lane Primary School, Bourne Row, Hoghton.