The new director of finance and football at Deal Community Sports FC has pledged to start free coaching for kids.

Having met with chairman Steve Bowers and commercial manager Bob Chivington regularly for about six months, Karim Aisawi, 35, of Folkestone shares the club’s vision and has joined the board with immediate effect.

The married dad of two, who works as a director for a telecoms company, said: “I want to focus on securing somewhere where boys and girls of all abilities and ages can benefit from a high level of coaching free of charge.

“I will personally guarantee and fund it until such time the club is self-sufficient.

“We will update local schools and social media as to when these sessions will start.”

The club, consisting of two adult teams, plans to roll out a youth and a women’s team for next season.

“It’s important we have a thriving youth system which receives and delivers a high standard of coaching along with the right level of support that will benefit both the players and the club in years to come.” - Karim Aisawi

“It’s important we have a thriving youth system which receives and delivers a high standard of coaching along with the right level of support that will benefit both the players and the club in years to come,” Mr Aisawi added.

The finance chief has played for Folkestone teams but is now signed to Deal Community Sports FC.

He said: “I am delighted to come on board with Deal Community Sports to drive the club forward on and off the pitch.

“I am currently working hard to secure a new permanent ground for the club, which will help us grow and climb the leagues as quickly as possible.

“This will include new pitches, a new clubhouse with function rooms and changing facilities, all of which will allow us to improve the financial position of the club.”

New players Ryan Wilson and Jack Tanner have been recruited, plus James Read, who recently ran Ramsgate’s thriving youth section, is enrolled.

Off-the-field additions are Jackie Mapstone as club secretary and Wendy Hucksted as membership and registration secretary.

Chairman Steve Bowers said: “We’re delighted to have Karim on board.

“These are exciting times at the club, and it is envisaged that significant progress both on and off the pitch will be made over the coming months.”

Mr Aisawi added: “I would welcome anyone from the town who wants to get involved with the club to pop down and have a chat, as the community will be at the very heart of everything we do.”

Deal Community Sports Football Club’s home games are played at the Betteshanger Sports and Social Club in Cavell Square, Deal, on Saturday afternoons.