World Class coaches inspire youngsters to play ball

This summer youngsters from across South Wales are being invited to put their ball skills to the test and learn top coaching tips for sporting success from some of the World's leading football coaches.

The coaches, who have trained a number of heroes from this year’s FIFA World Cup winning Spanish squad, will travel to South Wales to offer their advice and expertise to youngsters in the local community.

Ten youth academy coaches from Valencia CF will bring a Latin flavour to the University playing fields in Treforest in a bid to unearth untapped Welsh talent and inspire young people to get active and take part in world class football training camps during their summer holidays.

The coaching squad, who have helped produce a number of players from the winning Spanish World Cup side including Juan Manuel Mata, Carlos Marchena, David Villa and David Silva, will be spearheaded by Valencia youth development director Carlos de Lera.

De Lera said: “We are delighted to be able to offer youngsters from across South Wales the opportunity to learn from some of Spain’s top youth coaches. The success that the Spanish team has achieved in winning this year’s World Cup demonstrates the talent and technical ability that is evident in Spanish football today and is testament to the quality of coaching in Spain.

“We are confident that boys and girls who participate in the coaching camps will revel in the opportunity to learn new skills from our world class coaches and experience a unique and technical Spanish coaching style, as we bring the magic of La Liga, to Wales”.

Both the five day camp, running from 2nd-6th August and the two day camp, running from the 7th-8th August, will allow individuals between the ages of 7-16 years of age to participate and will encourage youngsters of all abilities from the local community and further afield to take part.  Players will be assigned to small groups for one on one coaching sessions.

Valencia CF camp co-ordinator from Inspiresport, Sam Houldsworth, added: “It is so important that we not only inspire and encourage young people in Wales to actively participate in team sports, but also that we provide them with an opportunity to receive invaluable advice directly from the brains behind the world’s leading footballers. This is a fantastic opportunity to unearth some fresh Welsh talent and to give young footballers the confidence to realise their potential.”

The project follows in the footsteps of a similar successful initiative hosted previously by Inspiresport and Valencia CF.

For more information or to register your interest in taking part in the camp call the Valencia CF Summer camp Hotline on 07958 715355