THE Alloa Athletic manager took time out from his team's pre-season schedule to inspire some Wee County youngsters last week.

Jim Goodwin made a timely visit to Kidzone at Redwell Primary School in Alloa last Tuesday, June 19, with the World Cup in full swing.

He was delighted to chat with the pupils, who all prepared their questions in advance. He talked about his career, favourite teams, shared some memories and looked ahead to what will no doubt be a tough season for the team.

Jim told the Advertiser that the local football club is always keen to be involved in the community.

He said: “Absolute pleasure for me to be down here and get involved, these young people here are the future of Alloa Football Club.

"So hopefully we can grab some of their imagination today and hopefully they’ll ask their parents to come along and watch Alloa next season.”

The manager was invited along by Joyce Cocking at Kidzone – which has been running a project on the World Cup and were happy to secure a visit from the manager.

Joyce, who also works at the part-time football club, said: “The kids asked if it would be possible to get Jim Goodwin to come in – and I made it happen.

“It’s a real pleasure [to have him here]. By asking questions they’ll gain from his football experience and he is also going to have a kick around with them and show some of his skills.”

It is not every day a high-profile professional appears at the after-school club, available for Redwell children from across P1 to P7, and so it was a special moment for both girls and boys.

Joyce added: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Jim for taking the time to come and talk to the children at Kidzone.”