He is known for stealing British hearts at the London 2012 Olympics by securing gold in the long jump.

And now Greg Rutherford was again the hero at a under 9's football team in Ealing - this time by playing goal keeper during a penalty shootout.

Rutherford MBE, who also secured gold at World Championships in Beijing in 2015, was on hand to give advise to aspiring youngsters at Pitshanger FC, Pitshanger Lane.

He held a training session for the clubs under 9's side and topped off the day by starring in goal during a penalty shoot out and also offered his advice of staying active and motivated during the winter months.

The visit followed Pitshanger FC's under 9's success in winning the Sun-Pat Spread the Energy competition - which also won them £1,000 worth of vouchers, new kit and a supply of peanut butter product Sun-Pat

Rutherford 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 team had written to Sun-Pat to explain why they needed the money and emphasised the brilliant efforts of volunteer coach Dinis Jimenez.

Coach Fernando Dinis Jimenez, 42, from Ealing, has been coaching the team with the help of volunteers for the past three seasons.

He 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."