King And Kramaric Surprise Youngsters

Both Andy and Andrej demonstrated a few drills for the children to try, before getting stuck into the action themselves, much to the delight of the star struck young football fans. 

Many of the youngsters had brought their own Leicester City shirts for the pair to sign during a presentation at the end of the course, which capped off an exciting three days. 

“It’s very nice,” Andrej said, reflecting on his first experience of the courses. “Especially when we are here with the kids, because once I was like them and I remember what it was like to meet players at the local club. 

“It is my pleasure to be here. I know how much it means to these kids to see us. If we can help to give them more motivation to work hard and be on the pitch one day like us, then great.” 

The courses provide a good grounding for those local youngsters looking to both improve their game and make the most of the fun atmosphere created by City’s expert coaches. 

Adam Martin, who led the activities over the three days, said: “It’s a three-day course, so they do a lot of technical work in the mornings. We do loads of ball mastery with them too, and then in the afternoons they do the tournaments where we put them into separate teams, which they really enjoy.” 

It may have been Andrej’s first experience of being out in the Leicester City community, but team-mate Andy is the veteran of many, and was suitably impressed at how the Croatian took to it. 

“He did well,” said Andy. “I don’t think he’s really experienced something with as much support as we’ve got here. Leicester is a big club and to see these kids here in Leicester shirts and with everyone knowing his name is good and will give him a buzz. 

“The kids were just obviously pleased to see some of the players who they see week in, week out come down and watch some of them play football for a change. 

“It’s good to see them getting good coaching and I remember from when I was that age just how good the Football In the Community stuff is and something you really look forward to.”