YOUNG footballers from Ainsworth had plenty to smile about when their sporting idol joined a coaching session.

For Efe Sodje, a defender for Bury FC, spent 30 minutes playing football with the youngsters, before signing autographs and posing for photographs.

The children were training with Breightmet United’s under-nines team, which was set up for children from Ainsworth and will become known as the Dukes of Ainsworth.

Andrew Lomax, team manager and coach, said: “We wanted to get the children to experience what it was like to be a footballer and the enthusiasm of Efe brought out the best in the children.

“The children flocked around him and couldn’t wait to shake his hand. All the children want to get season tickets for Bury FC now.”

The team is looking for new players to join their training sessions, which are held at 7pm on Wednesdays at Breightmet United in Bury Road, Breightmet.

The team is also seeking sponsorship from local businesses and a site in Ainsworth that could be used for matches.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Mr Lomax on 07904 884210.