Young footballers pitted their skills against Nottingham Forest's academy players to launch a new centre that could help find the stars of tomorrow.
About 40 children played in games against the club's elite youngsters at Brendon Lawrence Sports Hall in St Ann's on Friday evening.
It marked the start of a partnership between the club and the Renewal Trust charity in creating the Nottingham Forest FC Academy Development Centre.
Youngsters aged four to 14 will receive training from coaches qualified up to UEFA "A" Licence standard - and could be fed through into the club's academy side.
The trust, which aims to improve opportunities for residents in St Ann's and Sneinton, has previously worked with the club to provide players for its academy but has never been an official partner.
Sports development coach Ryan Johnson said: "Games like this allow the kids to see the hard work and training it takes to reach the level of the Forest academy players.
"For a few of the kids it's the first time they've put a kit on and played in a team environment. Our training methods are reached out to any child, no matter whether they've played before or not."
Two players coached by the trust have already been signed up by the club and academy coach Stewart Rowley hopes the new centre will feed through more.
He said: "We want to get into the heart of the city in these areas where we feel there is unnoticed talent.
"Sometimes they don't get opportunities to play for junior football teams but there are talented players who just need a chance - this is the vehicle to get them into football."
Sherwood resident Malita Lewis has taken her brother Rhynell Gordon-Messam, 11, and eight-year-old son Damani Lewis to the trust coaching sessions for the past two years.
Rhynell was scouted and now plays for the Nottinghamshire Schools' FA team.
Ms Lewis said: "This was very valuable for both of them as it gave them confidence. My brother learned he had skills that he didn't realise were there and my son was very shy."
De-Marian Palmer, four, of St Ann's, said: "The Forest players have tricks I don't know so if I watch them I can learn and then play for Forest."
Training is held at the centre from Monday to Friday. For more information call 0115 911 2226 or click here.
