Premiership footballer backs youth scheme

10:26am Wednesday 31st December 2008

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PREMIERSHIP footballer Andy Reid is backing Salisbury’s new Brazilian Soccer School, which is starting soon at the Five Rivers Leisure Centre.

The Sunderland player, who has 28 caps for Ireland, is getting involved with the project because he believes that the coaching methods used are the best way to produce confident, skilful players with good technique.

He said: “I have known the head coach, Perry Cocking, since we worked together at Charlton Athletic and I’ve been really impressed with what he is trying to achieve in his local area of Salisbury. Brazilian Soccer Schools encourage flair and self-expression, which is what we all want to see.

“ I wish there had been a scheme like this when I was growing up.”

Brazilian Soccer Schools use techniques drawn from the fast moving, five-a-side, Brazilian game of Futebol de Salao.

The game helps children develop quick feet, skilful moves, close dribbling and clever passing and is cited by Brazilian legends such as Pele, Kaka, Ronaldinho and Robinho as the game that made them such great players.

Perry Cocking, who is setting up the scheme in Salisbury, believes the soccer schools can help raise the standard of football in the area. “In other areas of the country Brazilian Soccer Schools have helped produce England internationals Micah Richards and Theo Walcott with Tottenham’s John Bostock the latest to burst onto the scene,” he said.

“ With football being so popular in Salisbury I don’t see any reason why we can’t produce players with similar qualities that go on to represent their local teams.”

Andy Reid has donated one of his Sunderland shirts, which will be personally signed and given away to a lucky Brazilian Soccer School player in February.

Sessions will be run on Saturday’s for five to 16-year-olds. Details of how to get involved can be found at www.icfds.com/salisbury&andover or by calling 07876135770.