Fathers and their sons are being invited to improve their football skills at a series of sessions in Lichfield.
The Lads and Dads scheme is being launched by Brazilian Soccer Schools and will see players and their parents introduced to basic movements.
The use of a small, size 1 ball which has only a minimal bounce means that players always have a ball at their feet and are therefore are always engaged in the game.
Dave Sellar, regional co-ordinator for Brazilian Soccer Schools said “It really is a fantastic way to help strengthen the bond between father and son doing something together which they can both enjoy. At such a young age many players can be reluctant to get involved with sports but by having their parents there they can both enjoy the success of each session.
“Along with the Futebol de Salao ball we also like to incorporate Brazilian music into our indoor sessions. It really helps the children develop a sense of rhythm which is so evident in the way players from Brazil play the game and allows them to forget that they are learning!”
Brazilian Soccer Schools has been in Lichfield for just over ten years and is one of the city’s best kept secrets in terms of football development.
Players such as Jimmy Phillips came through the Lichfield Soccer School and he’s now a regular starter for the Burton Albion first team.
“Players that had been with us since the age of 6 are now grown men and women competing at a very high level,” said Dave. “Jack Pryor is currently playing for Port Vale’s youth team, Katie Wilkinson having been one of our first members is now playing for Aston Villa and England U17 ladies, Brad Garmston is now playing for WBA U17 and after impressing for the Republic of Ireland U17 in the UEFA U17 Championships, has also been pushed on to play in the U19 squad.”
Another Lichfield graduate, Louis Rowley, has been selected to play in Manchester United’s U18 academy team for this season.
Dave added: “It would be unfair to claim that Brazilian Soccer Schools is the only reason for their success because a lot of hard work and practice has to go in to reach those high standards, but we do feel that the achievements of these players is in part, recognition of the foundations that our sessions help set.”
The Lads and Dads sessions will take place on Saturdays, starting on October 8, at Darwin Hall, and is open to boys and girls. There are also a range of midweek session too. For more information call 0750 800 3864 or visit www.icfds.com/staffs.