MORE than 100 aspiring footballers attended a special coaching clinic with former Wales international James Collins.

The ex-Cardiff City and West Ham United standout spent two days at Bangor 1876’s Treborth base situated within the university grounds for a half term camp.

This was part of the James Collins Football Academy and was organised by the Gwynedd League side’s director of football Iwan Williams.

Children and teenagers braved the stormy weather to enhance their skills with a host of different coaches, which also included members of 1876’s first team squad.

Williams, said: “It’s fantastic to have someone of James’s profile up in North Wales and especially at our home ground.

“The camp was brilliant despite the weather. The children never moaned, and it was hard to get them to come inside to stay dry.”

Collins also participated in a question and answer evening with 1876 supporters following the camp, where he spoke about his time as a professional both with club and country.

Plans are already being formed with a view to holding a similar event in the near future, with Collins working closely with UEFA Pro-Licence holder Williams while taking his own coaching badges with a view to continuing in the game after his recent retirement.