The youngsters from Northampton EM Football Academy gathered at the Bedford campus to take part in the Train Like a Pro programme with Martin Reim, Head Coach for the national football team of Estonia

As well as getting to grips with professional training, including coaching sessions and tactical analysis, the players were also given a tour of the University’s sports science facilities, undergoing fitness testing and attending nutrition workshops, discovering the science behind sport performance.

Martin, who also runs a football school in Estonia called MRJK, said: “I’m pleased that the University has given me this chance to show how the Estonian national team train and play, and share this with the teams here in Bedfordshire.”

The event was organised by Bedfordshire Leadership & Management of Sport & Physical Activity MA students Bert Klemmer, Mark Piliste, Hastings Kamanga, Simon Frear and Tom Scott, who were supported by staff at the University’s School of Sport Science & Physical Activity.

Hastings said: “This has been an unbelievable experience, especially taking the kids through the sports labs and all the tests they have done – it’s been amazing.”

Bert said: “It has been a brilliant experience having Martin here. The knowledge and experience we have gained from studying at Bedfordshire has guided us to deliver this project and make it happen successfully – it’s been a very unique experience.”

Senior Lecturer in Sport Development & Management at the University Stuart Wilson said: “We were delighted to welcome Martin to our University, and also to offer this opportunity to young players, giving them the chance to find out what it means to train like a professional footballer. I must also congratulate our students for organising such a successful event.”