An ex-Premier League star is hoping to inspire the next generation of young footballers by taking on a new challenge - coaching in a Carlisle primary school.

Former Carlisle United player Paul Boertien, 37, who made 268 professional appearances in his career, has started a new weekly coaching venture with pupils from Belle Vue Primary School.

"It's something that I'm trying to do, go into schools and do some coaching," Paul said.

"I've just started it but I'm going to be carrying it on throughout this term."

He'll be coaching the Juniors every Thursday over the coming months.

But it's not Paul's first foray into coaching as he's currently feeling the pressure in the dugout of the Wetheral-based Crusaders Under-7s.

He's been introducing those youngsters - including his own son Finley - to the game of football on a Saturday morning.

He added: "I really enjoy it and I do that team on a Saturday morning. It's really good fun.

"I found that the youngsters at Belle Vue were all keen and really wanted to learn."

The school link was forged when headteacher Andy Cairns approached Boertien and invited him along to do some sessions. Mr Cairns' son plays for the Crusaders team.

Boertien said: "At the minute, it's just something fun.

"We're doing lots of different exercises, playing football and getting fit at the same time."

As well as having an eight-year spell with Derby County, Boertien turned out for Notts County, Walsall and Burton Albion.