A 17-year-old football fantatic has secured funding for a ‘once in a lifetime’ coaching trip to The Gambia.

Lewis Atkinson, of Moor Lane, Darwen, was inspired to take on the voluntary work after his club, Darwen Spartans JFC, donated 100kg of kit to needy children in the country last month.

After a ‘speed dating’-style application for funding at the Neighbourhood Pioneers Scheme at Darwen Academy, Lewis was successful in gaining a £1,000 from the National Lottery.

He hopes to travel out to the country early next year for a week, along with fellow Spartans youth team member Kyle Jackson, 18.

They will teach a range of age groups, taking essential education supplies with them.

Lewis, an Accrington and Rossendale College sports academy student, said: “I can’t wait to get out there.

“When you give a shirt to someone in Gambia they’ll wear it more than someone in this country would in a lifetime – they really appreciate it.

"I hope I can help them develop their skills.

“I’ve never been to Gambia before, and it will be a whole new experience.

"But hopefully it will go really well and I can go back a few times.”

Both Lewis and Kyle have completed their national diplomas in sport, refereeing courses and level one FA coaching badges, and have carried out volunteering work in the Blackburn with Darwen area.

Lewis’s dad, Mark Atkinson, who founded Darwen Spartans JFC, said: “It’s a life-changing experience.

“Lewis eats, sleeps and drinks football, and so does Kyle.

“They’re very focused and as a club, we’re very proud of them doing this.

“Darwen Spartans have had help from people, and I don’t see why we can’t help other people who really need it.”

Lewis and Kyle will travel with Ian Wiggins who works for Blackburn Rovers and carries out regular charity work in the country.

Anyone who would like to donate to help the trip is asked to ring Mark on 07849434052.