A GIFTED soccer ace has turned rejection into success and is now flying high with his own football coaching company.

Lee Burke, aged 21, from Cinnamon Brow, was released from his Chester City youth contract for being 'too lightweight' after four years with the team, but his passion for the game inspired him to put his talents to another use.

For Lee decided to build on his natural abilities and with the aid of a Prince's Trust grant of £1,000, he set up his own coaching school, Ball 2 Feet.

Although he still manages to play for Trafford, he says he is finding it increasingly difficult to combine the two roles as his coaching venture goes from strength to strength.

The Manchester United fanatic said: "At the moment I do after-school classes and Saturday mornings as well as extra classes during school holidays, trying to build up my reputation."

And Lee's trip to the top is only just kicking off. In May he'll fly to the west coast of America to join Britannia Soccer, coaching American youngsters for 10 weeks.

When he returns from his trip he hopes to turn his coaching school into a full-time business. Anyone interested in Lee's coaching sessions can call him on 824756.