Chesterfield FC youngsters learn self-defence after being targeted by robbers

The session took place at Unit1 Fitness and Martial Arts‘ Brimington Road base and was delivered by award-winning coach Dave Cartawick.

Dave said: “I took them through some basics of self-awareness and self-defence. Self-awareness is about not getting into a confrontational situation.

“Self-defence covers some basic principles to put into place if you do find yourself in a confrontational situation. Hopefully some parts of the session will lock in their minds and help them if they are in danger.”

Academy manager Neil Cluxton said: “Whenever I get in touch with Dave, he’s more than willing to put these sessions on, giving up his time to help our young footballers, which is very much appreciated. He did a really good job, not only on the practical side but also talking through the incident and the thought process, advising them how to react and keep calm as much as possible.

“It’s a protective measure in the event of any of them finding themselves in a similar situation in the future and I think it gives the boys some confidence.We’re not actively encouraging the boys to be violent at all, but it will help them if there is a situation where they do need to protect themselves as much as anything. The lads really responded to it well, including the lads who were involved in the incident. We’ve had a good chat with them, and the club has been very supportive of them.”