WE'VE all been regaled with tales from those who have 'missed out' on professional football.

If only it hadn't been for a pesky injury, being too small something which, by the way, never seemed to affect Lionel Messi, or a manager not spotting their undoubted potential.

Loving football is one thing but the reality of making to the top, or anywhere near the top, can a be a desperately disappointing and humbling experience. Particularly for a young man who thought he had the world at his feet and now has no viable alternative.

Every year thousands of players are ditched by their clubs but most never want to give up their dream. For local teenagers in that position or who weren't picked up by academies in the first place the launch, last August, of SOCA (Soccer Opportunities and Coaching Academy) came as a very welcome boost.

As well as being trained everyday by two ex-professionals – Stuart Slater and Kirk Game – these carefully selected youngsters, aged between 16 and 19, are also taught to be coaches (up to NVQ Level 3 in Activity Leadership).

One of those on the course, Matt Chester, 17, from South Woodham Ferrers is one of those hoping to become a professional coach, he said: "I've been playing football all my life but haven't really had any opportunities to make it anywhere with pro clubs or academies or to be a full-time footballer.

"I saw an advertisement and went along just to see how I got on. I do loads of coaching anyway and I love the coaching side of it here and the playing side is great, being able to develop your skills everyday."

Billy Duke, 17, from Little Waltham is keeping his options open, he said: "It's great having professional coaches here that know the ins and outs of football like the back of their hand.

"At the end of this course I'm hoping to stay on and do the next course for 18 months and then hopefully either get in to an academy, or playing semi-professional football or coaching."

Funded by the government and operating out of Chelmsford College the trainees get paid £2.60 an hour, use the Virgin Active gym free of charge thanks to a sponsorship deal, and also get to showcase their talents in weekly league matches competing in the Football Conference Youth Alliance.

Course leader David Cornwell hopes the game will provide his students a living after the 11-month course is finished; normally coaching in the community for the likes of Chelmsford City, Chelsea, Colchester United and Southend United and or playing for the Clarets.

He said: "We're going to have expand the course next time such is the amazingly high demand for places.

"It gives them a chance to be coached by top professionals and really who could ask for anything more?

"We've had 21 boys on this course linked to Chelmsford City but 35 on the course overall, as some just do the coaching.

"Next year we're looking at more like 50. I've already had more than 130 enquiries from all parts of the country, even Wales.

"We have another course running out of Canvey Island and we're setting one up for Brentwood Town Ladies."

Last week at the Ford County Ground, Chelmsford was a perfect example of the community aspect of the project in action.

Eight of this year's recruits worked with talented and gifted youngsters from Moulsham Junior School but they tap-in to all areas of community, including working with crime reduction charity Nacro.

It's hoped that one or two of the current crop will go on to represent Chelmsford City's first team.

The club provides the scheme with playing facilities and in return they're hoping for some exciting and talented young players good enough for the rigours of Blue Square Bet South.

"That's what we want," added Cornwell. "We think some of these lads are definitely good enough."

If you would like more details on next year's courses call 01245 293031 or e-mail: information@chelmsford.ac.uk.