Ian Robinson may appear to be just another face in the crowd but he makes schoolboys' dreams come true.

He can often be found standing alongside proud parents watching their sons play for the school or local club, always on the lookout for the next David Beckham or Michael Owen.

Ian runs a centre for talented young footballers from across Sussex and has already helped place 20 boys in top clubs.

Brighton and Hove Albion, Gillingham, Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic have all taken on boys trained by Ian and his team of coaches, who work with boys aged between eight and 15 at Sussex Development Centre in Cockshut Road, Lewes, every Monday evening.

Boys who make the grade are offered a place at the centre, where he helps improve their football skills and prepares them for the often-harsh realities of professional football.

Ian said: "What we offer them is a chance to work with a qualified coach and that is an opportunity most boys do not have. When we train, the emphasis is on creating an atmosphere similar to that of a professional club. We teach the boys about the importance of respect for other players and discipline.

"I see myself as someone who gives them the self belief to go out there and do it. That is often half the battle."

In August, Ian, 45, will run a summer school for footballers of all abilities near his home in Vale Road, Seaford.

He said: "The school is open to anyone and will be a lot of fun. There is no restriction on abilities so nobody should feel under pressure to perform. But if we notice somebody playing well, we will let them know about the centre."

Father-of-two Ian helps coach at Albion's Centre of Excellence in Eastbourne and has a UEFA B Licence, making him a professional coach.

He started the development centre four years ago for Charlton Athletic Football Club, but went independent two years later.

He trains 38 boys at the centre, with the help of fellow coaches Ben Edwards, 19 and Leslie Hunter, 20, both of Seaford.

"I set up the centre with a friend because we realised there was nothing else like it anywhere in Sussex. "

Among those to benefit from Ian's tuition is Ben Bissett, 13, of Rakers Ridge, Horsham.

Ben has been awarded a year contract to play for Gillingham's under-13s team after spending two years at the development centre.

In 11 games, he has scored 16 goals for his new team against clubs including Queens Park Rangers, Oxford United and Portsmouth.

Despite his success, Ben has not forgotten Ian's training.

He said: "Ian taught me about communication and team work. At the centre, you are not just playing for fun - things are taken that bit higher. I want to be a professional footballer and my dream is to play for England.

I believe I can really make it happen, because of the encouragement I have got from Ian."

For Ian, however, helping realise boys' ambitions is a privilege.

He said: "Football is my greatest love. It is a good feeling to be able to spot new talent. You can't be looking for any one thing because different kids have different talents."

The Monday training sessions run from 7pm until 8pm and cost £3.25.

Details of the summer school have yet to be finalised but anyone interested in finding out more should call Ian on 01323 899460.