On the weekend of 12th May Reading FC coaches Adam Pilling and Chris Sweetman were invited to coach the players of Tuam Celtic Football Club on the west coast of Ireland.

Tuam run an Academy from under 6s to under 11s, as well as developing players for under 12s to under 16s, which in turn feeds into their first team.

The club was formed in 1974 and has continued to grow ever since. With further expansion planned in the shape of a move to a new site with an ambitious state of the art Clubhouse and astro turf training facility, the future looks bright.

Chris explains, "During the two days we worked with more than 120 young players from the ages of 5-16 years.

"The standard of the young Irish players was very good and this was matched by their enthusiasm and work ethic.

"Reading Football Club is very well known over in Tuam thanks to the stature of the club now and of course our Irish players.

"Stephen Hunt, Kevin Doyle and Shane Long are idolised by the young people we came across who perhaps see these international heroes as proof that their dreams can come true.

"The weekend we spent in Ireland was a brilliant experience and the people looked after us and made us very welcome everywhere we went.

"The wheels are in motion for coaches to return next year and work further with the players of Tuam Celtic FC and strengthen the link.

"The coaching trips overseas are brilliant for all parties involved. It's a chance for us to see players from other parts of the world and a chance for them to be coached by representatives from a Premiership football club.

"Tuam were ideal hosts for us to deliver the Reading Football Club brand, with us already having such strong links to the Emerald Isle thanks to members of our playing and coaching staff.

"We are looking forward to strengthening the link with Tuam in the future."