Middlesbrough Football Community Project is extending its Micro Soccer programme for three to five year olds.
Following a successful pilot coaching course for very young players, the programme is extending the scheme, which offers fun-based activities to encourage children to get a feel of the game with basic skills.
Micro Soccer coach Mark Dick is very supportive of the young players, “We were unsure how the course would be received, but the children have shown great enthusiasm and ability, he said. “The opportunity to help them enjoy the game and get a positive start is vital and we are pleased to be able to offer this chance”.
As the pilot course comes to a conclusion, the Community Project plans to extend the sessions in the new year with two longer sessions and a chance to sign up for a special Christmas holiday course.
A taster session for young players is available between 4-5pm on Thursday December 16 at a cost of £2 per player. A two-day holiday course is being promoted for December 20 and 21 between 10-12 noon, with booking forms available from the Community Centre reception in Eston or by calling 01642 282128.
Can you bend it like Beckham
Middlesbrough Football Club’s successful Girls’ Centre of Excellence is looking for younger players for a new under-10 squad – but those interested must act quickly.
The centre is due to host selection trials for under 10’s, the first session will be held tomorrow but there is another session at the Middlesbrough Football Community Centre in Eston next Thursday, December 16.
The centre, which is now in its third season, has recently received funding from Tees Valley Sport. The centre already supports teams from 12-16 years and wants to continue its success. Players wishing to join the trials must have been under 10 on August 31 2004.
The Centre of Excellence offers talented players from across the Tees Valley region an opportunity to receive supplementary coaching and represent Middlesbrough within a regular festival programme. The scheme also offers players an opportunity of being spotted by English FA talent scouts.
The centre recently participated in a festival at Sheffield University, in which talent scouts were very complimentary of the potential talent on display, especially from the Middlesbrough girls’ team.
John Clubb, of the community centre, said: “If you or somebody you know is starting out and shows great potential then this is a brilliant opportunity, not to be missed”.
To nominate players, teachers and junior coaches are asked to contact John Clubb, centre director on 01642 451813.
Boro star inspires youngsters
Boro star Bolo Zenden will talk to schoolchildren at the club’s Study Support Centre about the role of leadership and being a captain tomorrow (Thursday, December 9 2004).
Zenden will take an active role in helping children from St Joseph’s Roman Catholic and Whinney Banks Primary Schools formulate their ideas about what makes a good captain. He and the children will share ideas to help plan and compose a piece of discursive writing.
Study Support Centre Manager Martin Hedgley said: “Bolo’s involvement is a crucial element to the discussion sessions. This will help fire their enthusiasm for their task, which will hopefully result in some fantastic pieces of work.”
A partnership between Middlesbrough FC and the government, the Study Support Centre, based within the Willie Maddren Centre in the East Stand of the Riverside Stadium, uses the powerful medium of football to raise standards and improve motivation among Key Stage 2 and 3 pupils.