Andy Dales and George Thomas make Futsal visit

Iron forward duo Andy Dales and George Thomas both visited the second year scholars of the SUFC Trust's Futsal course on Thursday afternoon.

The pair took time following training to travel to Bottesford Sports Hall to observe the session, which lasted 90 minutes, before getting involved towards the end of the session after learning about the different positions and tactics involved.

Thomas even managed to score an impressive goal which involved playing a one-two with the man on the left before controlling on his chest and backheeling in the air into the net. The Leicester loanee's team triumphed 3-0 in the short time both were involved.

The duo have also spoken to the club following the experience as part of a promotional video to get school leavers involved in future courses, with the qualification gained paving the way to University, if required.

Former Mickleover Sports forward Dales has got involved since the start of the academic year when he was named as the Futsal Ambassador for 2018-19.

The responsibility involves supporting the scholars over the course of the year, offering encouragement and acting as a role model during their time with the football club.

Futsal Scholarship Manager Gav Cooper said: "I'd like to extend my thanks to both George and Andy for giving up some of their time to visit the players this afternoon. Both were brilliant to have for the session and they were eager to take some part in the session and get involved.

"Having Andy around makes a difference he gives up his time to visit the lads both in training and in the class room which gives them a boost.

“While with Mickleover Sports, Andy gained a lot of experience in coaching football to young football enthusiasts and it's great for the students to have a relationship with a professional footballer and in particular that has had his own disappointments and setbacks in football.

"What Andy has done is work hard and battled to get back to the professional level of the game, which has taken commitment, dedication and a willingness to succeed - traits that all our students can take on board."

Over the course of two years, the scholars will study for a NCFE Level Three Extended Diploma in Sport & Physical Activity (Sports Coaching) with Futsal (worth up to three A-Levels), while also representing the club in the EFL Trust Futsal League, along with other cup competitions throughout the course of the season.  For more information on the course, or to enrol, visit www.scunthorpeunited-cset.com/education/courses/ or contact [email protected].