Ace way to keep youngsters active

Ace Academy, founded by former Walsall player Wayne Thomas, has been hit by the pandemic restrictions as they are unable to hold sessions for promising football hopefuls in the region.

Having previously done live coaching sessions through Facebook, Ace has consistently found a way to engage their players, and has now launched a virtual running challenge.

It is running until the end of March for children aged six to17 with the aim of covering as many kilometres as possible. “The Ace virtual run challenge was created to keep children motivated, active and engaged in this current lockdown,” Thomas said.

“We had previously done live sessions but realised that opposed to the spring and summer time, with dark nights and adverse weather it would not be viable, so we encouraged children to engage in running 1km, 2km or 3km runs.

“The challenge will keep them physically fit and help with mental health getting them out in the fresh air. We have had support from ex-players and present players with some even taking part .

“After three weeks we have had more than 150 runs registered and covered more than 350k. The challenge runs until end of March, all children who complete 10 runs get a medal and there are prizes for category winners

“Please go to the Ace Academy Facebook page for more information.”

Several ex-professionals and current players have sent messages to encourage the youngsters and throw their backing behind the challenge – including former Walsall players Joe Edwards, James O’Connor and Jimmy Walker, as well as current Saddlers midfielder Liam Kinsella.

Former Wolves winger Michael Kightly has also backed the cause, alongside former Wolves and Walsall man Stuart Watkiss, who is the current assistant manager of the Bangladesh national football team.

“I’m a runner and have run nearly every day for the last 20 years,” Watkiss said.

“I started running because I wanted to keep the weight off and I thought it would keep me in-check medically. But what has been surprising is how beneficial it has been to my mental health as well.

“We’re not looking for world champions or Olympic qualifying times, just get yourself out there and give it a go. You may surprise yourself.

“If you’re not a runner and you want to get yourself walking, by all means do that, or a mixture of the two and slowly build up.

“In the current climate, it’s a difficult situation for everybody, so get yourself outdoors and get some fresh air into your lungs.”