ALMOST 200 young football fanatics across Inverclyde are enjoying their Easter school holidays after scoring a winner with new Morton coaching camps.

The Greenock Morton Community Trust (GMCT) are hosting sessions every day in venues in Greenock, Port Glasgow and Wemyss Bay for children from the age of two up to 15 years old, running until this Friday.

The Tele went to one of the sessions at Inverclyde Academy to see the youngsters show off their silky skills and learn new tricks from the experienced and fully qualified coaching team, led by GMCT community engagement manager Tom Elliott.

GMCT have held similar programmes in the summer and autumn but this is their first Easter camp — and the children have given them the big thumbs-up.

For 14-year-old Ben Spiers, from Greenock, it is a brand new experience – but he is loving it.

He said: “It’s a very good thing to go to. This is my first time.” Teammate Lyal Murray, nine, from Greenock, added: “It’s really, really good fun.” Both boys and girls are taking part with more than 170 signed up for the week with 90 enjoying the Greenock camp.

Kirsty Jamieson, 12, from Greenock, says she is already reaping rewards from taking part.

She said: “I don’t play for a team but I have been asked to start training with Morton because I came here.

“It’s really good fun. I like keeping busy during the holidays and I like football.” The week-long programme puts youngsters through their paces and hones their football skills but most importantly keeps them active during the Easter school break.

There are different themes each day and at Inverclyde Academy the World Cup started early as youngsters adorned the colours of countries such as Brazil and Argentina to emulate famous heroes like Neymar and Lionel Messi.

Tom Elliott, GMCT community engagement manager, said: “The camps are going great and the kids are thoroughly enjoying the experience.

“The wet weather hasn’t dampened their spirits.

“We are delighted that the camps are so well attended and supported by the local community and the children are having a great time — and that’s what it’s all about.” Sessions are held indoors and outside, depending on the weather, and GMCT are for the first time offering dedicated ‘Micro Morton’ sessions for younger budding footballers funder five.

Ex-Morton player Stuart Rafferty, Inverclyde and SFA football development officer, said: “The numbers taking part is great.

“Since Tom and the guys have come in, GMCT is definitely going from strength to strength.

“It’s great to see.

“For the first time during the holiday time football for the under-five age group and it’s brilliant to see parents getting involved as well.” For more information visit www.mortoncommunity.net See today's Tele for full pictures.