FOOTBALL Mid North Coast under-13 National Premier League coach Josh Cross had never seen his players move as much as they did during a one-hour training session on Tuesday.
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There seemingly was a good reason for it when Newcastle Jets' National Youth League coach Labinot Haliti visited Port Macquarie.
Haliti made the trip north from Newcastle in a special visit where he cast his eye over FMNC's under-13, under-14 and under-15 NPL sides.
Unsurprisingly, the former Western Sydney Wanderers and Jets' A-League striker admitted he took as much out of the session as the kids did.
"I think the kids have improved since last time and that's the main reason I come to things like this - you see changes in the kids, especially at this age you see it a lot," he said.
"I really enjoy it and sometimes wish I could come for more days than just one day but with the schedule we have in Newcastle it's a bit difficult at the moment.
"But every time I get a chance I want to come up."
Haliti said he enjoyed "giving back to communities" such as those outside cities such as Newcastle.
"If you can come in here, do these clinics and give back to the kids they will appreciate it," he said.
"I appreciate it and the Newcastle club appreciates it, so it's a win-win situation for both of us and I'm one of the lucky ones (that gets to) come and do this."
"It's important to have that connection with Newcastle and the Newcastle Jets.
"The idea is if we see someone, why not give them that experience to go down and train with the academy boys (in Newcastle) no matter what age they might be."
The connection with Port Macquarie was part of the reason why it only took little more than an hour for Haliti's message to get through to the players.
"It can't be me," he said.
"As a coach, when you lose you're first and when you win you're last so I'll take that with me (because) you want to see smiles on the kids faces and let them enjoy it.
"I've been here a few times and I'm connecting with them; the coaches are great and the community is good.
"When you come here more than once you start to build a connection with the people."
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