The Kevin Maher Soccer Academy will be launched next month.

The Southend United skipper has teamed up with JDL Promotions to set up the course which will run in August at Thorpe Hall School.

And Maher is looking forward to getting involved.

"Coaching is something that I may look to go into when I've finished playing so this will be a good thing to do," said the long serving midfielder.

"It will be fun as well and hopefully it will prove to be popular."

The soccer school takes from from Tuesday August 14 and will last for three days.

School years one to four will be welcome in the mornings, with years five to eight in the afternoons.

Coaches include Maher's former Southend team-mate Andy Edwards - who now works at the Arsenal academy, former West Ham star Peter Brabrook and current Grays Athletic manager Justin Edinburgh.

Every child taking part will be entered into a skills competition, while trophies will also be presented by Maher at the end of the course.

More Blues players could also be in attendance and parents are invited for the final day to watch a mini World Cup tournament.

The cost of the complete course is £50.

To book your place or for more information contact 07940 738623 or email: jdlsoccerschools@hotmail.co.uk