OLYMPIC gold medallist Greg Rutherford jumped head first into a training session with Pitshanger FC Under-9s on Thursday.

Pitshanger FC welcomed the long-jumper to their Ealing training ground as a reward for winning the Sun-Pat ‘Spread the Energy' competition, aimed at promoting exercise among children in the UK this winter.

After taking training, the Team GB star tried his hand in goal for a penalty shootout, as well as offering the young players some tips on keeping fit and staying motivated during the colder months.

Rutherford, 29, said: “I’m passionate about helping kids reach their potential, especially when it comes to sport.

“It was fantastic to get involved and have a kick around with the Pitshanger team who thoroughly deserved to win. Keep up the good energy!”

The kids’ football team also won £1,000 of kit for their club - on top of a year’s supply of peanut butter to help maintain their energy levels for the season.

Pitshanger Under-9 coach Fernando Dinis Jimenez, 42, said: “The team has worked really hard over the past few seasons so it’s fantastic for them to win the Sun-Pat ‘Spread the Energy’ competition.

“Meeting Greg was a great confidence boost for the players and will motivate them for the rest of the season. We rely on donations so the prize money will provide new matching kit and equipment for the whole team.”