A JUNIOR squad is set to put the Fylde on the worldwide football map in a prestigious tournament in America.

The YMCA under-11s team has been invited to take part in the four-day soccer battle - one of the country's top competitions of its kind - by the host team San Diego Nomads.

Playing at the California ground, the Nomads are coached by their founder, former Blackpool plumber David Armstrong.

The squad is now one of the best in the US, thanks to the English soccer influence of David, who brings his players to the Fylde every summer to practise their skills in friendly games across the country.

Now, YMCA coach Neil Thornber is set to demonstrate his young team's talents in the Umbro Coaches Showcase Tournament - an annual event which attracts 240 teams from all over America.

He said: "We're the only English team in the competition so we will have to show them how it's done!

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these boys and we will be practising hard to make the most of it."

The ten-day trip is expected to cost £7,000 and the youngsters have already been busy fundraising to come up with the cash for flights and other transportation costs in time for their departure on March 14.

Former Manchester United player Norman Whiteside is set to star at a sportsman's dinner at Blackpool's Viking Hotel on February 5 and a karaoke night is planned for March at the Grand Hotel Holiday Flats on Station Road, Blackpool, to add to the fighting fund.

Dean Threlfall, of Home Select Floor Coverings on Midgeland Road, has paid for the team's bright orange kit but more sponsors and donations towards other equipment and costs are still desperately needed.

As Mr Thornber pointed out: "We will not get this chance again - we have got to make the best of it.

"The YMCA is a registered charity so all donations are tax deductible and, of course, we are very optimistic that we will return to the Fylde with an exceedingly large trophy."

If you can help call Neil on (0966) 157435 or 408547 (evenings).

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