FORMER Swindon Town defender David Hockaday kicks off his new football academy with junior football camps during half-term next week.

The former Kidderminster Harriers and Leeds United manager has taken a step back from professional football to focus on youth football in the area.

Having started the first football academy in this country at Cirencester College 21 years ago, the 58-year-old is hoping to emulate that success with his self-named academy that is using the SwinDome facility at Swindon Supermarine’s Webb’s Wood Stadium.

Starting with a half-term soccer camp next month, Hockaday, who is a UEFA A License coach, will go on to run a series of football clinics for children aged between five and 16, before holding trials for his academy, which he will start in September.

“I set up the academy at Cirencester and it went incredibly well,” he said.

“I was there for six years and turned down a lot of pro clubs, a lot of universities, eventually got approached by Watford and went on to have 20 years as a coach and manager and yet I knew I would always return to this.

“This is my passion and this is what I totally believe in and the timing is just right.

“We offer the very best in football coaching as well as being educated in the importance of health and fitness, social skills, communication and the importance of teamwork.

“All of this is within a positive, safe environment, with an emphasis on having fun whilst learning.”

The junior football camps, which are held between 9am and 3pm starting next Monday, offer football and multi-skills courses for boys and girls aged between U16 and U12.

The courses cost £20 per day, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, or £75 for all four days.

Children are asked to bring along suitable footwear and shin pads as well as food and drink for the day.

For more information or to book your child onto a course, visit www.davidhockadayfootballacademy.co.uk, call 07944 635985 or email info@dhfa.co.uk.

FORMER Swindon Town striker Charlie Austin is holding his first Swindon football school at Dorcan Academy, starting Monday, February 15. For more information visit http://www.charlieaustinfootballschool.co.uk.