Portsmouth FC First Team player Joe Rafferty attended Pompey in the Community’s holiday course at Cowplain School over the Christmas school holidays to help inspire the next generation of aspiring footballers.

Joe started off his visit by with a Q + A session with the lucky group of young football fans, finishing off with a session of signing autographs and Pompey shirts. During the meet and greet signing session, one participant enthused, ‘this is the first thing I’ve ever got signed before!’.

The football courses that ran throughout the week were a big success, and the wet and windy weather didn’t dampen the fun at the courses, as when the rain got heavy, coaches ran an UV indoor football session to give the participants some neon fun.

Pompey in the Community’s next holiday courses are during February half term. Both mixed and girls only sessions are being held multiple locations, with mixed football courses running at Miltoncross School and Chichester College and girls only sessions running at Park Community.

All courses must be pre-booked by either by calling the office during business hours Monday to Friday on 02392 728899 (option 1) or booked at any time on the website: www.pompeyitc.co.uk. Most courses run from 9:30am to 3pm unless otherwise stated and children should be dressed appropriately for the weather as most courses are outside. Participants should bring a packed lunch, and plenty to drink. They should also wear shin pads and trainers or football boots whilst on the course.

At Chichester College sessions run on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th February, and at Miltoncross School sessions run from Monday 13th to Thursday 16th February. These courses are open to boys and girls aged between 5-12 years old of all abilities.

Girls only sessions (ages 7-13) are also available at Park Community School, Havant. The courses run on Thursday 16th and Friday 17th February.

All courses are £20 per session. Pompey in the Community are currently offering individual days at £20, but members of Pompey’s Junior Blues fan club for the 2022/23 season, can obtain a 10% discount!