TWO youth football coaches are to run from Troon to Largs raise funds for support youngsters learning to play the game.

Darren Sneddon, 35, will be joined by fellow coach Stuart McCormack on the 42km run in a bid to support players of Troon FC Youth Academy.

The coaches have been training up for the big run which they aim to complete on Saturday, July 25.

And Darren hopes their determination will motivate the aspiring footballers.

He told the Advertiser: “I’m a coach for the 2011s. We have wanted to do something to help raise some money for all the youth teams at Troon FC.

“We set ourselves the challenge of 42km. We have been out doing three runs a week training for it.

“We want to inspire the players and lead by example.”

Darren a former soldier, spent six years in the army.

Now he wants to take the same values into coaching teaching life skills as well as football.

The coaches have set their sights on raising £1,000 which will give kids more opportunities within the Academy.

The funds will be going towards new equipment and coaching education fer the youngsters.

They want to help players develop confidence, determination and self-disciple and instil a desire to achieve and have a positive attitude.

Darren said: “The kids are doing great.

“The way the Academy is set up it could be pathway to first team football.

“It could open up doors for them in the future.

“But I want to make it more about football. We want to take them on educational days out.

“We were meant to go to Holland this year but thankfully we never booked it before lockdown.”

The club have been trying to keep players motivated during lockdown whilst they are missing football, with online challenges and drills they can practice from home.

Darren added: “It’s been tough, but we’ve tried to keep them going.

“We had a design a strip competition and one to design a stadium.

“We have set them drills to practice at home, but we can’t wait to get everyone back.”