He did so with the aim of motivating them and teaching those important lessons in life and football on Thursday afternoon.

The Prince's Trust team of twelve, supported by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) met Shittu at the Reebok Stadium where he answered their questions and chatted to them about the importance of self-confidence and motivation in connection with Creating Chances, a Premier League initiative.

During his time at Watford and Queens Park Rangers, Shittu gave talks across London to help tackle the lack of confidence and the problems facing today's young people and has in the past run programs addressing anti social behaviour and peer mentoring courses.

positive difference

Bolton Wanderers first teamed up with the Prince's Trust in November 2003 and have developed this partnership ever since both with the Trust and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. The event is to help launch national Youth Week to celebrate the positive difference young people make to their societies.

The 12-week course is being run by GMFRS who have been working with the Prince's Trust for the past six years. The programme is to help the 16-24-year-olds develop self-confidence and the social skills that it is hoped will give them the chance to pursue the careers of their choice.

Shittu said: "It is an honour for me to have any sort of involvement with The Prince's Trust. I fully support all the hard work that the Trust puts in to assist these youngsters with various life skills.

really pleased

"I'm really pleased to be part of Youth Week, celebrating the positive contributions young people make to society. Hopefully this week will begin to change people's negative perceptions of kids in our area."

Bolton Wanderers Prince's Trust ambassador Kevin Davies sat in on the session and also spent time with the young people before he works with them later in the month at the training ground.

The event is in connection with Creating Chances- the Barclays Premier League's flagship community programme which engages communities and supporters across the UK. Creating Chances aims to highlight the extensive community work which takes place throughout every season.