A FORMER defender for Leyton orient returned to his old club to help run specialist coaching sessions for children.

Matthew Joseph, who played for the O's between 1998 and 2004, led youngsters aged five to 11 as part of a programme of summer events at the Score Centre, Leyton.

Now the FA Skills Essex Team Leader, he said: “We aim to give the kids fundamental skills such as balance and co-ordination, getting the kids comfortable on and off the ball and to further develop their understanding of the game.

“We want the kids to really express themselves and enjoying playing football.”

He worked alongside other coaches at the Score Centre during the sessions on August 3.

Daniel Fenner, Leyton Orient Community Sports Programme (LOCSP) football development manager said: “Having Matthew and his fellow FA Skills coaches here this week reinforces what we are all about at Orient – helping to develop the potential of all the youngsters who come to our sessions.

“Our whole week this week is free and the FA Skills course was part of this and open to anyone who wanted to improve their technique or just learn new skills.”

The sessions were part of FA’s Tesco Skills Programme in conjunction with LOCSP.

For more information about the programme, visit TheFA.com/Skills. For details of LOCSP, email daniel.fenner@locsp.org, call 8556 5973 or visit locsp.org