LOCAL children will again be learning to play the Brazilian way thanks to the Brazilian Soccer School which is due to start again soon in Kirkby Stephen and which hopefully will start in Appleby in the near future.

Youngsters who join the school will learn to play football through Futebol de Salao, the innovative coaching scheme devised by the International Confederaton of Futebol de Salao (ICFDS). Futebol de Salao is a small-sided game originated in Brazil that is played with a specially weighted small size 2 football which doe not bounce. This style of practice encourages more passing, skill and creativity and the strong emphasis on skills and technique means that when it comes to competing in an 11-a-side game, players find it a lot easier. Samba music is also played during the sessions to help players relax.

The game was brought to England by former primary school teacher Simon Clifford. Emphasis is placed on individual development rather than winning matches and research shows that children touch the ball up to 200 times more per game when using a Futebol de Salao ball compared with a conventional ball.

Kirkby Stephen's Community Sports Development Officer Gary Payton said: "Children who join the Soccer School will replicate how all the great players like Ronaldinho, Zico and Ronaldo have learned to play the beautiful game. I am also pleased to have Matthew Harris as Head Coach of the Brazilian Soccer School. Matthew is one of the best-qualified football coaches in Cumbria, holding both the FA coaching licence and the EUFA B licence, and has just returned from a coaching stint in the USA."

Places are limited and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Details are available from Gary Payton on 07890 615926.