Budding footballers can enjoy Bristol City’s half-term coaching courses – powered by the Community Trust – at three venues across the city.

Taking place between Tuesday, May 28th and Friday, May 31st, football coaching sessions will be available at Filton, Portishead and Whitchurch.

Available to youngsters aged between six and 13, everyone has the opportunity to be coached by fully qualified staff in a fun, safe and structured environment.

The sessions are available to footballers of all abilities, so whether it’s learning the basics, or honing techniques and creativity, City’s coaching sessions are perfect for all.

Each session runs from 10am to 3pm, costing £15 per day, or for the special price of £40 for three days, £50 for four days.

To book up, or for more information, call the team on 0117 963 0636. Alternatively, book online here.

Note: Each child should wear astro boots, not blades or studs. Bring along enough drink and a packed lunch.

The Bristol Fans’ Derby raised around £3,000 for the two clubs’ Community Trusts at the weekend.

A healthy crowd watched a close-fought 3-2 win for Rovers over their rivals at Ashton Gate on a hot Sunday afternoon.

City stormed into a 2-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from organiser Tim Dicks and Scott Murray, who was rolling back the years in midfield.

But Rovers were level at 2-2 by the interval and sealed victory shortly after the restart.

The real winner, however, was Bristol City and Bristol Rovers’ Community Trusts, who benefit from the monies raised.

Vicky Barlow, Trust development officer, said: “It was a fantastic event, played in the right spirit. It was certainly more competitive than in recent years.

“I’d like to thank all the organisers for their time and effort, the supporters who turned up on the day – and we’re now looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger.”

For more information on what the Trust carries out please call 0117 963 0636.

Bristol City Council will again be hosting their Sports Jam festival in Millennium Square on Saturday, May 4th.

For more information please contact sport@bristol.gov.uk.

City’s players engaged in a training session with local homeless people as part of a new Community Trust project.

In a joint partnership with the Homeless FA, City have signed up 15 local people who are all keen to turn their lives around through the power of football.

Head coach Sean O’Driscoll and his assistant Richard O’Kelly put them through their paces before letting the homeless people go head-to-head with the first team squad.

To give the new kids on the block a chance, City fielded just ten players against 15 – and goalkeeper Tom Heaton was thrust up front, with Steven Davies and Matthew Bates taking turns between the sticks.

Gareth Parker, Homeless FA CEO, said: “The Homeless FA supports all initiatives that use football as a means of improving the lives of homeless people in England.

“We believe that every person has the potential to change their lives positively and that football can facilitate such a transformation.

“The opportunity to have a coaching session alongside the stars at Bristol City is a real money-can’t-buy experience. All 15 of those taking part in the project will also get to watch the first team in action against Huddersfield Town this weekend.

“We want them to feel a part of the club and the response from everyone at the club and the Community Trust has been tremendous.”

Vicky Barlow, Community Trust development officer, said: “This was the first day of the project and everyone had smiles on their faces. The players were tremendous getting involved, as they have been all season, visiting schools and training camps.

“The work of the Homeless FA fits very nicely with the Trust’s desire to improve lives through the power of football and we’re delighted to be associated with them.”

Heaton joined Marvin Elliott and Liam Fontaine in holding a short question-and-answer session with the participants after training. Throughout the project, they will enjoy five training sessions at Failand, and have the opportunity to earn a qualification.

On top of that, two will be chosen to represent England at the Homeless World Cup in Poland later this year.

City midfielder Paul Anderson said: “They’ve been through some tough times in their lives but when you’re out there having a kickaround it grounds you; it’s a level playing field. I think everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Bristol Academy women’s football club were fully represented at Ashton Gate on Easter Monday – with more than 100 girls visiting the stadium for City’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday.

In the wake of the major partnership announced last week, Bristol Academy’s entire first team squad, along with representatives from the skills academy, college team and under-8s were in attendance.

At half-time England and Bristol Academy goalkeeper Siobhan Chamberlain was in goal at the Atyeo Stand end for the Blackthorn half-time penalty shoot-out competition.

Chamberlain was also in the Community Park before the match, alongside City striker Jon Stead, as well as speaking the Premier Suite.

Forward Ann-Marie Heatherson spoke to the crowd about the importance of the partnership at half-time, and how it is going to have such a positive influence on girls’ and women’s football in Bristol.

Lowri Williams, Bristol Academy matchday and promotions manager, said: “It was brilliant to come down to a club as big as Bristol City and for the girls to be so warmly welcomed.

“The club is very excited about the future and the partnership we have struck in both community and commercial settings.”

Bristol Academy’s next match will be at Stoke Gifford Stadium, Filton, against Everton in the FA Women’s Cup quarter-finals, scheduled for Sunday, April 14th (2pm).

A trio of City players visited Our Lady of Lourdes school this week to give a talk to pupils.

Matthew Bates, Brian Howard and James Wilson visited the Kingswood-based Catholic Primary to speak with two classes about life as a professional footballer.

Bates, Howard and Wilson discussed the importance of academic studies with the schoolchildren and undertook a question-and-answer session, as well as signing autographs and posing for photos.

Bristol City Community Trust development Rob Treacher and his coaches joined the players on the visit, spreading their message of improving lives through football.

A trio of City players have received a grilling from Gordano School students.

Jon Stead was joined development squad players Tom King and Curtis Jones at the local secondary school to answer questions posed by Year 7 students.

It was all part of a mock press conference, set-up as part of BBC’s School Report.

Stead said: “It was enjoyable and we faced some really tough questions at times. It’s important to be involved in projects such as this and I hope the schoolchildren enjoyed it.”

Cole Skuse has opened a new all-weather sports pitch at his old school in Yate.

The Bristolian midfielder was present at Yate International Academy to officially open the third generation pitch.

Skuse took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony with Academy principal Roger Gilbert, who gave a short speech.

After the ceremony, Skuse ran a coaching session for the Academy’s girls’ football team, along with members of the Bristol City Community Trust.

The new pitch at the Academy in Sundridge Park will not only benefit students in curriculum time, but also to hire out for the local community.

Mr Gilbert said: “I was delighted that this facility was opened by Cole, a former student of Kind Edmund Community School, the predecessor school prior to the Academy opening in 2009.”