Kitson stars at Charvil end of season awards

AFC Charvil hosted their annual end of season awards event at Berkshire County Sports in Sonning on Saturday, with former Reading striker Dave Kitson as their special guest.

Kitson — scorer of Reading’s first ever Premier League goal — now runs The Dave Kitson Academy, providing one to one and group football coaching sessions in the Sonning and Henley area.

He put on coaching and a fastest shot competition at Saturday’s AFC Charvil event, before giving a talk about his time as a Premier League player — and some of the players he played against.

Dan Griffin, who helped to organise the event, said: “Our AFC Charvil end of season awards and family day was an unforgettable event, thanks to the incredible presence of Dave Kitson and his team. Dave’s enthusiasm and dedication to the sport were evident as he ran coaching sessions with more than 70 children from all age groups. The kids were thrilled to learn from such an experienced player, and their excitement was palpable throughout the day.

“A standout feature of the event was the speed gun challenge, expertly managed by Dave’s team. Both children and parents participated eagerly, vying for the title of fastest shot. The competitive spirit between the parents added an extra layer of fun and camaraderie, making it a hit with everyone present.

“The highlight of the day was Dave’s inspiring talk. He captivated the audience by sharing stories about some of the best players in the game, including Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Xabi Alonso, Gareth Bale and Kaká.”