MORTON manager Jim Duffy went back to school to cast his eye over the next generation of football stars as he kicked off the club’s Easter coaching camps for youngsters.

The Ton boss joined pupils from Whinhill Primary in Greenock to launch the school holiday sessions organised by the Greenock Morton Community Trust (GMCT).

Week long camps start on Monday 6 April and run through til Friday 17 April at Notre Dame High and Wemyss Bay Primary schools.

They’re open to boys and girls aged two to 12.

Ton boss Jim put Whinhill youngsters through their paces during a taster session of the fun and games they can expect to enjoy.

He was joined by Inverclyde and SFA football development officer and ex-Cappielow player Stuart Rafferty, club mascot Cappie the Cat and GMCT coaches who will be leading the sessions.

Brian McLaughlin, community engagement manager for the trust, can’t wait until they kick-off.

He said: “This is my second camp working with the trust.

“I came in in October so it was a bit of a blur.

“I’m looking forward to this one a lot more and I’ve been more involved in the planning and preparation for it.

“Hopefully we will see some faces we recognise and some new ones as well.

“Whether the young people have played football before, for recreation or are new to playing it’s a relaxed environment, really good fun and a wee release for them while they are off on their school holidays.” There are also benefits for parents because their child’s learning will continue across a range of subject areas during the Easter break.

The camps will feature various themes throughout the week including fancy dress days, tournaments and a host of games and activities.

There also will be more of a focus this year on honing particular skills each day, from heading to dribbling, finishing to control and passing to technique.

GMCT chief Brian said: “The kids will learn new skills.

“Parents benefit from knowing they are working with experienced Morton coaches delivering football in a fun and safe environment.

“The children will also make new and lasting friendships but most importantly they’ll be learning and keeping active instead of playing the computer.

“Maybe they will be the stars of tomorrow and become the next Messi or Ronaldo.” Week one will feature a camp at Notre Dame only from 6 to 10 April with another the following week from 13 to 17 April at the same venue and at Wemyss Bay Primary.

There will also be a girls-only camp from 7 to 10 April at Notre Dame.

For more information, including times and dates of the camps, visit www.mortoncommunity.net or call 731949.

See today's Tele for full pictures.