STUDENTS at a Bradford special school were given a coaching masterclass by England Under-21 football manager Gareth Southgate.

The former England and Aston Villa defender was at Oastlers School, Flockton Road, Bowling, today for the official opening of its P.E facilities including sports hall and outdoor multi-use games area.

The soccer star's visit included him speaking on his career in an assembly, taking a coaching session for a group of youngsters aged between 11 and 15 in the new sports hall.

He was also given a guided tour of the whole school during his visit.

Students currently take part in 12 different sports as part of their P.E classes including uni hock, football and volleyball.

Oastlers School has places for more than 80 students, aged between 11 and 19, who have emotional, social or behavioural needs.

Mr Southgate, who won 57 caps for England, said: "There is a good standard of players here.

"They were enjoying themselves.

"This is a special place. It's a good opportunity for the youngsters that are here, they have people who believe in them and will help them.

"Everybody needs somebody to believe in them in their life. The staff here care about them as people.

"There are fantastic facilities here at the school."

Meanwhile, speaking on Bradford City's current form, Mr Southgate added: "Their manager, Phil Parkinson, has done a fantastic job over the last couple of years.

"There are good people there. There is great potential as a football club."

Sean Regan, head of PE, said: "It's absolutely brilliant.

"It's good that Gareth is here. You can tell how he inspires people.

"It was a massive opportunity for our students to meet someone like Gareth, to be coached by the England Under-21 manager.

"I met Gareth a few years ago while we were doing our UEFA A licence coaching badges together.

"You can have a P.E lesson of an entire year of about 16 children. It's challenging and rewarding.

"I never thought in our first year of opening that a guy of Gareth's status would come down and see us.

"We have a top facility here with the sports hall.

"There is good potential here. It has been a ten-year plan to get the school to this stage and put it on the map."

Headteacher Lyndsey Brown said: "Gareth gave an inspirational talk during assembly.

"He told the students to believe in themselves. People will tell you you are not good enough.

"It's about resilience and keeping the faith."

In March this year, pupils from Oastlers School enjoyed a “once in a lifetime” experience as they visited the England national football centre at St George’s Park in Staffordshire.

The Bradford students watched the England Futsal squad train while on a tour of the £110million complex.