A YOUNG footballer from Wirral is off to coach students in South Africa after winning a place on an educational programme.

Bailey Jackson, 16, a student at The Mosslands School in Wallasey, was selected by Wirral-based The HQ Coaching Centre to take part in the scheme in Cape Town to help deprived children develop their football skills.

The sixth form student, who plays for Chester City, is joining a group of coaches and trainee teachers who are travelling over to Cape Town this Friday, February 14, for a 10-day trip.

Bailey said: "I am really excited about getting involved in this programme and it will be a real adventure to travel to South Africa.

"I have done quite a lot of coaching in primary schools across the area and really want to develop my coaching skills and give something to the children in the townships."

Bailey was chosen from a large number of students from across Merseyside and is the youngest person taking part in the adventure, joining coaches from a range of local universities and colleges.

He has also been working hard to help pay for the trip by gaining a part-time job in his home town of Wallasey.

Matthew Houghton from The HQ Coaching Centre said: "Bailey is a fantastic young coach and we are delighted that he is joining us on this programme.

"Since launching in 2007, we have established strong links in South Africa through the Weston Cape Sports School, and this is the first of four trips we will be going on this year.

"Bailey has been involved with our coaching sessions in primary schools across Wallasey and this trip will really help to enhance his skills as well as his personal development."

The Mosslands School already has strong links with South Africa through its Afri-Twin project and the school's Afri-Twin co-ordinator Gill Roberts said: "Bailey is already an outstanding ambassador for the school and this trip will be a fantastic opportunity for him to develop his interpersonal skills and understanding of the huge range of cultural diversity that South Africa has to offer.

"He has been a talented sportsman throughout his school life and it is great to see him develop his potential in this way.

"This placement will allow him to make his own contribution to life in Cape Town’s townships, whilst visiting an area of outstanding natural beauty."

The HQ Coaching Centre has places available for their trip during October half term.