FIVE young visually impaired Barnet football fans honed their skills at a training session at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium last weekend.

The children were among 14 who enjoyed a training session on Saturday, January 14, and a VIP tour of the Hornsey Road stadium.

The youngsters are members of North London Actionnaires, a club run by Action for Blind People and funded by The Ernest Hecht Charitable Foundation.

The free club gives the children opportunities for sport and social activities they may not otherwise have access to.

Max Murphy, eight, from Colindale was joined by his sister Alice, four, and father Brian.

When asked about the day, Max said: “I live for football, it’s my favourite sport. I liked the match the best, but training is important too because practice makes perfect.”

Mr Murphy added: “We’ve been coming since the beginning when the club opened and have been to a lot of events, including bowling, ice skating, a panto, golf, tennis and cricket. It’s great to keep him active.”

Another participant, Ross Batchelor, 12, from West Hendon, said: “The tour was really good. Going out on the pitch was particularly cool.”

Max and Ross were joined by Harry Robinson, 11, from Barnet and Viljo, ten, and Lila, eight, Wilding from Hendon.

Gina Newton, from Action for Blind People, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Arsenal Football Club for their generosity in arranging this wonderful opportunity.

"This training day and tour of the stadium will stay with the youngsters for a long time, boosting their confidence and self-belief.”

The North London Actionnaires club meets twice a month in various locations around North London to provide local events for local children.