Schools have been offered free access to new football facilities to coach children.

Shooters Football Academy is set to open at North Weald Golf Club in Rayley Lane on Saturday.

As well as offering five-a-side pitches for hire to teams competing in leagues, children will also be given the opportunity to hone their skills on the site.

Co-owner Mario Ttakoushis said: "We set the academy to give something to the community because there's nothing like this around here."

“We will make sure it’s fair and all the schools in the area have the option to use it.”

The academy’s opening is to be marked by various competitions this weekend.