Carroll is striving to nurture future generations with keeper’s school

ROY Carroll wants to inspire young boys and girls to play for Northern Ireland in the future through his new goalkeeping school.

The former Manchester United, West Ham and Linfield star is determined to offer children across the province professional coaching that helps them enjoy and improve their goalkeeping.

The first training session will be on Monday, August 12 at Ardstraw’s ground in Newtownstewart, starting at 6pm, before Carroll takes the school around Northern Ireland in the weeks and months ahead.

It is a fantastic opportunity for youngsters to learn the tricks of their trade from a Northern Ireland goalkeeping hero who won the league and FA Cup at United and played for Rangers, West Ham and Derby before achieving more Championship success with Greek club Olympiakos and Linfield in the Irish League.

“I’m really passionate about starting my own goalkeeping school and I’d love boys and girls to attend,” said the Fermanagh native, who won 45 caps. “I want kids to enjoy their goalkeeping and enjoy the coaching which I believe will help them improve.

“I never had anything like this and that’s why it is so important for me because I want to see Northern Ireland boys and girls given the opportunity to be the best they can be.

“The dream scenario is for goalkeepers coming through the school to make it across the water, and for boys and girls to go and play for Northern Ireland.

“I want to show and talk to them about what it takes.”

Each course at various venues runs over five weeks, and after opening day at Newtownstewart, Carroll will start training sessions in Maguiresbridge in Fermanagh (August 13), Magherafelt (August 14), Dungannon (August 16) and Lurgan (August 18).

There will be sessions for nine to 12-year-olds and those aged 13 to 16. For full details go to www. rc1-coaching.com

Carroll, who left Linfield in the summer, is recovering from a knee injury but hopes to be fit again in a couple of months. He is keeping his options open in relation to signing for a new club.