A PROFESSIONAL Premier League coach is helping the junior section of a Runcorn football club achieve an ambitious goal.

Fran Alonso, first team coach at Everton FC, has volunteered to inspire young girls and boys at Runcorn Linnets to reach their full potential as footballers.

He has helped Linnets JFC to create a new club philosophy and training policy to revolutionise player development at the club.

Runcorn Linnets started developing a junior girls section in 2013.

Three seasons later there are now 12 teams and 142 girls playing every week.

Fran said: “What attracted me to the club is the forward thinking from the volunteers who have done an amazing job of building a solid club foundation.

“There are exciting times ahead. There is a lot of enthusiasm and determination.

“Hopefully my involvement with the 37 junior teams will have a big positive impact on the players from foundation levels upwards for years to come.”

Spanish coach Fran, who transformed the women's teams' fortunes at Southampton FC before following Ronald Koeman to the Merseyside giants when he succeeded Roberto Martinez as manager last year, gives up time every week to help nurture young Linnets players.

He has teamed up with Cheshire FA mentor Sean Bailey and club coaches to lead several training sessions.

Linnets junior treasurer Stuart Graham said: “Fran coming on board will help us to produce future elite players and help all the coaches to develop themselves.

“He is a good guy and has helped us to develop a new club DNA and how we support player development.

“We are a community club and pride ourselves on grassroots football at all levels, regardless of ability, in a fun and safe environment.”

A new community facility is being built by the club’s stadium in the summer and Linnets now have a 30-year lease at Halton Sports playing fields in Murdishaw.

“We are really excited,” added junior secretary Ciaran Clotworthy.

“It is absolutely amazing to have someone like Fran coming from Premier League, where he is coaching first team football, to revolutionise the way football is developed and coached at our club.”

Girls of all ages are now being recruited.

For more details contact Runcorn Linnets’ junior section via e-mail at enquiries@Runcorn LinnetsJFC.co.uk.