ALBION star Solly March went back to his old school to surprise young footballers at a football course run by the Seagulls’ official charity.

The talented winger, who has been in impressive form during the opening weeks of the club’s first Premier League season, was a special guest at one of Albion in the Community’s Brighton and Hove Albion Soccer Schools.

These take place at venues across Sussex and more than 450 boys and girls have taken part in one during half-term.

That includes more than 50 young footballers at Bede’s Senior School near Eastbourne which, as well as being one of six Brighton andHove Albion Soccer School venues, is also March’s former school.

A regular at AITC sessions, March was only too pleased to visit his old school and offer words of encouragement to the youngsters, who were attending from across the Eastbourne area.

Speaking after the event, he said: “It was good fun.

“I’ve been back a few times seeing people, going to the gym and using the facilities but I’ve never been back when loads of kids have been here.

“It makes me feel proud because when I was their age and going to soccer schools, a professional footballer would turn up and you’d be buzzing.

“They love football and probably want to be footballers when they’re older so it’s brilliant.

“Fourteen or 15 years ago I was doing that, so there’s every chance that one of them could make it and I really hope they do.”

He also praised the work being done by AITC to encourage more young people to play football and stay active.

He said: “The set up with Albion in the Community is great.

“They go around Sussex setting up football schools and kids can come to enjoy themselves.”

Adam Simpson was lead coach at the soccer school.

He said: “Our emphasis is always on learning new skills and having fun but to have a Premier League footballer come along to meet the players made the day extra special for everyone.

“Our thanks go to Solly for giving up his time – I know the players really appreciated it.”

For more about the soccer schools visit www.albioninthecommunity.org.uk