A PROFESSIONAL footballer has joined an Amersham based academy for young goalkeepers, set up in memory of a popular teenager.

Mikhael Jaimez-Ruiz, who plays for Hayes and Yeading United, has agreed to coach budding keepers at the Aaron West Goalkeeping Academy.

Setting up the academy was the dying wish of 16-year-old Aaron, a promising goalkeeper who passed away three years ago from a rare form of cancer. He died two days before a charity fundraising game in his honour was due to take place at Chesham United.

Jaimez-Ruiz, who has played in the Football League with Aldershot Town and AFC Wimbledon, was introduced to Aaron's mum Dax earlier this year and agreed to help coach youngsters at the academy, which is based at the Amersham School.

He said: "A very good friend of mine, Richard Dean, who lives in Wycombe, got to know about the academy and the charity match that was going to happen a few years ago that Aaron was going to be part of. He made me aware of the academy a few months ago. A few weeks ago I was asked to get involved and my first session was last week.

"I have found a nice group of kids who want to learn about goalkeeping and I have found a very passionate mum who wants to carry on with the dream of a young boy. It's a very nice place to get involved."

Jaimez-Ruiz, who is originally from Venezuela, runs his own academy but will also help out at the Aaron West academy twice a week.

He said: "We'd like to increase the number of hours - once a week is not enough. Having two or three sessions a week on something specific like goalkeeping will benefit them, no doubt.

"That's our next aim but it's all baby steps."

Places are now available for youngsters wanting to join the academy. Sessions for 7-11 year olds take place on Mondays and classes for 12-15 year olds are held every Friday.

For more details go to www.awgoalkeeping.co.uk or email daxey.40@tiscali.co.uk.