Malvern youngster Ted Grizzell has been looking back on his recent life changing coaching trip to Malawi with The Football Association.

The 17-year-old plus three other teenagers from around the country outshone over 100 football volunteers at The FA’s Young Leaders Camp in Ascot to secure their Malawi place and a chance to teach the game to African children.

"It was probably the best week of my life and I would love to go back and do it all over again," said Ted, who is a Duty Manager at Wychavon Leisure’s Sport Dyson Perrin complex in Malvern. "Going to the Young Leaders Camp in Ascot was fantastic but the trip to Malawi was even better."

The project was part of the ‘Changing Lives Saving Lives’ programme which aims to educate youngsters in Africa and the week long trip saw Ted and his colleagues mentor Malawian teenage girls in the Limbe and Ndirande townships on how to stage their own football coaching festivals for local children.

One of the highlights of the trip was when The FA party visited a township orphanage to meet some of the local children.

"It was pouring down with rain but everyone came rushing out to see us when we arrived," added the West Brom fan. "The kids were just so happy and we listened to them sing songs in their hall. It was really good and quite moving as well."

Ted even got to play in a match with the local children and he was amazed by how tough the game was. "I was huffing and puffing after about five minutes as it was really intense. The kids played barefooted but they were just fearless and delivered a few crunching tackles. It was great fun though."

The girls’ football festivals also drew a big crowd as well. "Word must have got out around the local villages that the festivals were taking place because loads of people turned up to watch. I’ve never coached in front of so many people but it just goes to show how popular football is in Malawi."

Ted is now back coaching his local side, Malvern Town Wanderers U13s, and keen to move his football career forward. "The Malawi trip has shown me that I can become a full-time football coach in the future and I’m really determined to make it happen."