A DARWEN pupil has been selected by the Lancashire Football Association to take part in a course for young coaches.

Joe Walmsley, 16, will join a four-day Advanced Leaders Course next month in Ascot, after being assessed by the LFA in March.

The accolade comes only a few months after Joe, who attends Darwen Moorland High School, began coaching young footballers.

Joe, of England Avenue, Blackburn, said: "I've always loved football and played it all my life.

"About eight weeks ago I offered to train about 30 pupils at St James Primary, which is one of our feeder schools, once a week to go towards my Record of Achievement.

"I play for Blue Star Juniors in Blackburn and also recently started coaching the young team there too.

"It's brilliant, I love doing it. I thought it would be quite hard work but getting to know the kids is great, and they really listen and pay attention."

His school nominated Joe for the course and he was chosen after a day at the LFA grounds in Leyland.

At the camp, he and other chosen youngsters will undertake a series of courses in refereeing and coaching, with the chance to win a place on further coaching courses abroad.

Joe, who is due to start a diploma in car bodywork and repairs at Training 2000 in September, said: "I'd definitely like to take the coaching as far as I can."