International legend Kevin Kilbane trains with Blessington FC

Former Irish international and Everton legend Kevin Kilbane was a surprise addition to Blessington FC's training session this week.

The Wicklow side welcomed Kilbane and the FAI's High Performance coaching team to their home as part of AVIVA's "If You're Out, You're In" initiative as part of their sponsorship of this seasons FAI Junior Cup.

Blessington FC were knocked out in the last round by Kilbarrack United, finalists in 2013. However as part of the new campaign the teams who are knocked out get the chance to avail of some unique benefits to help them develop as a club, with one eye on next season’s competition.

This time the South Dublin Football League side had the chance to train with Kilbane in a 90-minute session run by the FAI's Head of Grassroots Development Paul Martyn. He was also joined by PFAI Goalkeeper of the Year for 2015, Micheál Schlingermann, from Drogheda United, who worked with the team’s three goalkeepers.

Kevin Kilbane, Aviva's Junior Cup Ambassador, said: "For me it was strange getting out there again, but great. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I really miss every day on the training pitch. There were a few bobbles out there, but that’s what it’s about, that’s what these lads play on and have to deal with.

"This is just another one of the pieces that AVIVA have added to this season’s FAI Junior Cup. In recent year’s it has gotten great profile and initiatives like this really help the clubs to push them on for next year and inspire them to go further and develop in new ways."

Eoin O'Donovan, Manager, Blessington FC, said: "It was fantastic to have Kevin, Paul and his team out here in Blessington FC. It was a great opportunity for the players that we wouldn’t have expected.

They were great with the lads though and you could see, even though it was just one training session, the players were taking it in and trying to improve, and be better. It’s a really great thing that AVIVA have done and it show’s the Junior Cup is not just about the teams that get to the latter stages, but it’s for all clubs to enjoy being a part of."