Chelsea star is latest Premier League footballer to join Zoom Ballers session for Q&A with children

Everton and England centre-back Michael Keane and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Adam Webster were the first Premier League footballers to make guest appearances on Zoom Ballers – a series of free online football HIIT sessions for children aged six to 15, run by Gavin Dutton from Chichester.

Set up during lockdown to help keep kids active and engaged in sport, Zoom Ballers is also raising money for three children’s charities close to Gavin and his wife Kerry’s hearts – Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, The Sussex Snowdrop Trust and Teenage Cancer Trust.

Gavin, an operations director for Arc Pathway, said: “There has been a lot of talk about children’s mental health during the pandemic, with schools being closed and sporting, social and leisure activities unable to take place.

“Some young people are really struggling during lockdown, and parents too as it’s hard to know how to motivate youngsters.

“I wanted to stay in touch with my youth teams and continue training, so had to think outside the box.

“I also know how challenging it is for charities right now, so wanted to do something to help them too.”

Gavin has been coaching the Chichester City Youth FC under-seven and under-12 teams for the last seven years, but due to Covid-19 they are currently unable to meet in person.

He said: “I passionately believe that sport helps support children’s mental, social and physical wellbeing.

“I started Zoom Ballers in the first lockdown last year with 20–30 players from my Chichester City youth teams joining in via Zoom twice a week.

“When the latest lockdown was announced, I decided to open the sessions up to all local children.”

Gavin runs the live online HIIT sessions for children on Zoom five/six times a week, combining fitness and football skills training.

He said: “Close to 100 children are taking part in each session and numbers are going up all the time.

“I like a challenge and I’m so pleased Zoom Ballers is keeping kids active and engaged.