CALLING all would-be Gazzas! Two Blackpool footballers have pledged to share their skills with local youngsters this summer at a new training school.

FA and EUFA-approved coaches are lined up to teach children as young as seven an intensive programme to include shooting, dribbling and expert goalkeeping.

Neil Thornber, who has spent many years teaching the youngsters at St Nicholas's School in Blackpool, is launching the European Soccer School on the school pitch on July 21.

Week-long courses will run for six weeks to give children five mornings or afternoons to realise their potential.

He said: "This is not a case of just giving youngsters something to do for the long summer holiday, it is intensive coaching.

"There are no gimmicks, no trophies and no odd games of rounders.

"We want the kids to go home feeling they have achieved something."

Neil, who also coaches the local YMCA U10s side, is teaming up with goalkeeper Darren Cove who will offer his saving skills at midweek sessions.

Darren spent last summer teaching goalkeeping in America and both men have played league soccer locally for many years.

Neil said: "Football clubs all over the country are grabbing youngsters as young as seven who show promise as potential Gazzas.

"The big money clubs are signing them up very young nowadays and it is a great time for us to help local youngsters to improve their game immensely."

To book a place at the European Soccer School call 408547 or 312668.

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