COPC football coaches tackle the Monster Kickabout

City of Portsmouth College (COPC) football coaches and student trainees have played their part in a huge national festival of school football.

The Monster Kickabout, run by Sports Direct and Nike, is a nationwide school football initiative aimed at encouraging more children to take up the sport, with free resources and equipment provided. It goes on ‘tour’ each year visiting schools up and down the country.

Joining the tour in locations across Kent, Birmingham, Portsmouth, Nottingham and Manchester a team of staff led by Jack Moore and seven coaches, helped bring the fun. They were also joined by former England, Manchester Utd and Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster, and former Team GB Paralympic footballer Alistair Patrick-Heselton.

Natalie Gurr, Kids Marketing Manager at Sports Direct, said: “The Monster Kickabout Football Tour was a huge success, and much of that is thanks to the fantastic coaching team involved.

“Head coach Jack from Soccer Scholar Academy and COPC demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout, setting a professional and positive tone. His passion and commitment were clear from the start, and it resonated with both the team and the students.

The coaching team from COPC brought energy, enthusiasm, and a real sense of fun to every session. Their inclusive approach created a welcoming environment where every child – regardless of ability or confidence level – felt encouraged to get involved. The sessions were exceptionally well-organised, ran smoothly, and the coaches adapted effortlessly to any changes or challenges along the way.”

The COPC staff were Jack Moore, Dan Sackman and George Burgess, and coaches were Charlie Cole, Matt Pates, Tyler Monk, Ciaran Hards, Louis Patterson, Alfie Stone and Charlie Tilley.