YORK City youth-team keeper Ryan Whitley went back to his roots to coach young players at his former club.

The 17-year-old who signed a two-year professional deal at Bootham Crescent in August, returned to Fulford Football Club to train the under-nines squad.

The former Archbishop Holgate Pupil, who played for Fulford until he was 14, said: "I wanted to do some coaching for myself and I was with Fulford and give something back."

David Smith, manager of Fulford U9s, who have about 22 players, said: "It is brilliant that Ryan has come. It is nice of him to give his time, as professional footballers are busy lads. We coach, but we are just parents who volunteer so, if we can get professional help, it is a big bonus."

Going on to praise his squad, Smith added: "They are a really good side. They have only been beaten a couple of times in a few years. We have a good talent pool because it is such a big area."

Whitley has been on trial at Manchester City in the past and also attended England youth training camps.

He featured for the reserve team last season after recovering from a dislocated knee.

Fulford U9s train on Tuesday evenings.