AARON Wilbraham’s career in football has taken him all over the country and even briefly abroad, writes Matt Turner.

He scored more than 130 goals and even played in the Premier League, winning several promotions along the way.

However, the Knutsford-born former striker has shown he is keen to not forget his roots.

The 41-year-old, who is now assistant manager at League One side Shrewsbury Town having called time on his playing career last year, has volunteered to coach Egerton Football Club’s Down’s syndrome football team.

Having spent his formative years at the Mereheath Lane club, he jumped at the chance to help out his childhood club.

“I used to play for Egerton as a kid – I started there when I was six or seven and played for them until I was 16 when I went to Stockport County,” he said.

“I’d always do stuff like this – it’s my hometown and when I heard, I thought it was a great cause to get involved in.

“Where they do the training, I spent most of my youth in that sports hall.

“Every chance I got, I would be in there playing football with my mates.

“I learned a lot of the things I know in that sports hall and on those pitches.

Wilbraham’s playing career spanned more than 600 Football League appearances having made his professional debut for Stockport County back in 1997.

He went on to play in the top flight for Crystal Palace and can also list the likes of Hull City, Norwich City, Bristol City and Bolton Wanderers among his former clubs before he ended his playing career with Rochdale.

Aaron Wilbraham celebrates scoring for Rochdale in an FA Cup tie with Newcastle United last January. Picture by PA Wire

Aaron Wilbraham celebrates scoring for Rochdale in an FA Cup tie with Newcastle United last January. Picture by PA Wire

“I’ve always enjoyed doing things like this,” said Wilbraham, who also played for Milton Keynes Dons and Norwegian club Moss FK.

“Wherever I’ve played, if anything has cropped up to help out in the community I’ve always put my hand up and have been willing to do it.”

The team is open to anyone with Down’s syndrome from the age of six upwards.

Training sessions are held at Egerton Football Club every Sunday during school term time from 10am to 11am and cost £3 per session.

For more information, contact Andy Duff on 07885736500 or email andyecduff@gmail.com.