NEWPORT County AFC completed a week of soccer schools for the half-term holiday yesterday with midfielder Max Porter coaching kids at West Monmouth School in Pontypool.

Porter and Joe Day have been inspiring kids in Pontypool for the past two days, while Adam Chapman, Ryan Jackson and Ismail Yakubu were on duty at the Play Football Centre in Newport from Monday to Wednesday.

Passing on his skills to the next generation is second nature to Porter who has been coaching within the County academy system since last summer along with teammates Lee Minshull, Byron Anthony and Danny Crow before he left the club last month.

And the 27-year-old’s hard work has been recognised as he has been nominated for a PFA Community Champions award.

“I started coaching the under-12s at the start of the season and then in October Mike Flynn and Kevin Waterhouse asked me to coach the under-15s so I took that on as well.

“It was quite difficult because my partner was pregnant at the time so it was hard to fit everything in.

“When we had home games I’d go and do the coaching, rush back to do the pre-match stuff and then play in the evening.

“I did my UEFA B Licence coaching badge last summer,” he added.

“I’ve just handed in my coursework for that and I’m looking at doing my A Licence next.

“The club have been very helpful and doing my coaching has given me a great insight into academy football.

“It’s been really enjoyable and a great experience and something that I’d like to continue.”

Porter is also happy to teach local school kids but doesn’t feel he deserves an award.

“I’m proud to have been nominated but I don’t think I’ve done anything above and beyond what anyone else has,” he said.

“People like Lee Minshull and Danny Crow when he was here have done the same as me.

“I think the only reason I’ve got the nomination is because I was the only player in Newport during the summer and I did all the community visits!

“The players have been doing soccer schools this week as well and that means I’ve been leaving one brat at home to go and see a hundred!

“They’re always really good because the kids are really pleased to see us and it gives them a little insight into what it’s like to be a professional footballer.

“I remember when I was a kid I used to go to soccer schools in Essex and people like John Moncur and John Hartson would turn up.

“If it makes their day then it’s a great thing to do.”