Sponsored by the International Academy, the day was a follow up to last year’s FA award winning event and all the clubs involved were given the opportunity to watch Southend take on Oxford United at Roots Hall that afternoon.

ECFA Coaching Development Officer, Gary Piggott, explained more about the football sessions: "The focus of the day was fun and enjoyment. We built the activities around this and really got the children working on their skills and all of the coaches commented on what a great morning it was."

There were 15 clubs from all four corners of the county taking part in the Charter Standard Day and sessions included an Inflatable Pitch for 5-a-side matches, Target Shooting, Speed Gun, Dribbling with the Ball, Speed Agility and Quickness.

Gary Masters is the manager of Intersports U10s: "It was a really great day and the team loved the training drills. Some of our lads had never been to a professional game before so they really enjoyed the Southend match and seeing all the players up close."

Contrast Juniors Geoff Smith added: "It was good to stand back and watch more experienced coaches working with our players and we’ve picked up a few ideas for our own training sessions."

ECFA County Development Manager Steve Goodsell commented: "Special thanks must go to all at Southend Utd, especially Frankie Banks, Ross Hill and Steve Tilson for allowing us to use part of the Blues training ground.

"The Essex FA Development Team were a credit to the Association and deserve much praise for their professionalism, both on the day and in planning the event."

Southend moved up to fifth place in League Two with their 4-0 win over Oxford and Steve added: "For the young players of our Charter Standard clubs to be able to watch a great Blues performance at Roots Hall was a bonus for all concerned."

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