YOUNGSTERS at Southampton started a special football training session with Saints striker James Beattie at the launch of a nationwide scheme designed to boost the future of football.

England international Beattie returned to the Bevois Town Primary School where he served community service last year, to kick off the Schools Football Initiative scheme supported by Puma.

Pupils were thrilled to have the star back at the school to help them improve their football skills while showing off his England cap and medals.

Beattie has forged a close bond with the staff and pupils and even donated the £1,000 he won for being the first to ten goals in the Premiership to the school last Christmas.

Head teacher, Harrie Atkinson said: "The pupils love him and his relationship with the school has really boosted their self esteem as they feel that he really cares for them."

Beattie is enthusiastic about the new football scheme, he said: "It is good to be able to help and put a smile on their faces.

"I hope that we can really make the scheme take off."