The owner of a children’s soccer school offering a half-term training camp for youngsters near Hitchin next week announced today he is retiring from professional football.

Jack Collison, who runs the JC Soccer Schools – which is providing a three-day camp for boys and girls aged between five to 14 at Robert Bloomfield Middle School, Shefford, from Monday to Wednesday, from 10am to 3pm – revealed this morning that he is retiring from being a footballer.

The former West Ham United player, who made 12 appearances for Peterborough this season, said: “This day has been coming for a while but never in a million years did I dream that I would be having to announce my retirement at the age of 27.

“But then again, I never thought I would have played in the Premier League and for my country by the age of 19.

“I am currently completing my football coaching badges and enjoying watching my soccer school flourish – I am very optimistic about the future.

“I would like to thank the beautiful game for all it has given me.”

If you are interested in learning more about Jack’s soccer half-term soccer schools or after school training sessions and courses visit www.jackcollisonsoccerschool.com or email contact@jackcollisonsoccerschool.com.