A striker coach from Sheffield United’s academy has been on island preparing Warwick Football Academy youngsters for the new season.

Liam Hearn, a former professional footballer with Grimsby Town, conducted a preseason training camp with coach and player clinics after contributing to WFA coach development training via online meetings, which were co-ordinated by director of coaching Dennis Brown.

Hearn had contact points with each of the club’s age groups and coaching staff, with sessions before and after school and observation of game play over the weekend.

“We are delighted to have Liam join us to be a part of the preseason preparation for the club for the approaching season,” said Richard Todd, WFA technical director.

“Players have been excited to participate in the sessions and gain insights from a coach who works with elite players in the Sheffield United Academy, a category one academy which is the highest classification in England.

“Our coaches have benefited from Q&A sessions to gain more details of youth development structures and principles, and have had the opportunity to gain takeaways working alongside Liam in model sessions delivered to their age-group player pools.”

“The overall objective of Liam’s visit is to collect more knowledge of the organisational structures and development objectives of the club, and the playing levels of our player pools, to be more informed to better help us with ongoing support of curriculum and player development throughout the year.”

Hearn is delighted to have been able to visit Bermuda and see the results of the training plans he has put together.

“I feel privileged to have been invited to support such a well-run organisation,” Hearn said.

“The structure and leadership provided by Richard and Dennis have been outstanding and from the moment I arrived, I have been warmly welcomed and well looked after.

It has been an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the player pools of one of the island’s leading academies. The coaches here work tirelessly to support their teams and players and they have been fantastic with me since my arrival. I’ve been able to share strategies and subtle approaches to challenge individuals and watching those ideas come to life, along with the players’ reactions, has been incredibly rewarding.

There is still plenty of work ahead, but it is positive, progressive and full of potential. I am very much looking forward to continuing my support for Warwick Academy and seeing how far we can take it together. Thank you for having me.”