ONE of the youngest senior football coaches in the region is setting up a new under 17s team designed to bridge the gap between junior and senior football.

Robert Greenwood is just 16 but is already an FA Level 1 coach and also a qualified referee.

He currently coach an under 11 girls team at Kendal United on Saturday mornings as well as playing for Kendal United and recently won the accolade of Westmorland FA Rising Star of the Year.

"I am setting up the team as a lot of the players are keen to continue their footballing adventure although don’t feel comfortable playing senior football," said Robert, who lives on Castle Oval, Kendal and who was inspired to take up coaching by his father Stephen.

He has already recruited a number of players from his original team Kendal United Colts along with several from other sides, but is looking for more players and more sponsors, and anyone interested in playing or who would like to offer sponsorship or a donation for training equipment is asked to contact Robert on 07580 879108.