Youngsters from Pakistan Muslim Centre (PMC) have been polishing their football skills at the city's top training academy.

Sheffield United welcomed 15 children form the PMC, aged seven to 13, to take part in a soccer camp style training session at the Forsyth Academy in Shirecliffe. The visit was part of a reward scheme for children who are currently taking part in the Ethnic Minority School Achievement Project.

The young football enthusiasts worked hard on improving their skills, took part in a series of games and were taught how to warm down after a day's training.

Ishmael Latif, PMC staff member and football coach, said: "It was a fantastic day out. The children really enjoyed themselves. This is the start of a positive partnership which will develop something really beneficial between us. We are very grateful to SUFC for making it all possible."

United's partnership with the PMC forms part of the ongoing work by the United Initiative in promoting social cohesion and the recent achievement of being awarded the Racial Equality Standard.

The United Initiative, a new community outreach division, will manage the Blades' on-going commitment to South Yorkshire.

It will assist the club to engage with as many groups in the community as possible by using sport, in particular football, and healthy living as a tool to reach out to people across the age ranges.

Sue Beeley, head of community at Sheffield United, said: "The United Initiative has allowed us to reach out and work in partnership with PMC and continue the club's commitment to local communities and the long established associations.

"All this is underpinned by the Blades' dedication to aiding the continual social, physical and economic regeneration of the area."