A new football coaching course is due to start this month, thanks to support from Gallions Housing Association.

As of November 26, Bexley Adult Education College will be launching free training for over 16s to work towards a Level 1 Football Coaching qualification, which allows those involved to support fully- qualified coaches and progress to Level 2.

Lessons on first aid, practical exercises, coaching theory and child protection will be held at Charlton Athletic Training ground.

Gallions offered support by allowing Bexley College to use its community centre for free.

The company's property portfolio covers the whole breadth of tenures including rented, key worker and shared ownership schemes. It is supporting the coaching in a bid to strengthen neighbourhood ties as part of its extensive community work.

The course is part of the Neighbourhood Learning initiative for areas including North Cray Thamesmead, Erith and Slade Green Jas Dhillon from Neighbourhood Learning, who is running the football coaching, believes the course will present opportunties to all members of the community.

She said: "For some the course is their first step into learning after long-term unemployment.There are incentives for those who attend. The qualification could enable the chance of employment and give something back to their community."