World Cup fever

A Soccer School for primary age children across the region kicked off this week at Cartmel Priory School.

Thirty five boys and girls signed up for the three-day course, which aims to teach youngsters a range of soccer skills and takes a 'rounded approach' to the game encouraging the concept of good sportsmanship.

John Towler, of the New Life Community Church, Grange-over-Sands, which helped organise the event, said: "The Soccer School is not just for children who are on the school football team, it is for all those who are interested in the game.

There is a Christian input and we look at the idea of sportsmanship and developing people.

It is a fairly unique project."

The course, now in its fourth year, has proven a success with local school children with numbers rising each year.

And this week, it has also attracted the interest of a member of the Japanese Football Association who has joined the group to observe what the children do.

Pupils from Flookburgh Primary, Cartmel Priory, Cartmel Primary, Grange Primary, Levens Valley Primary and Lindale Primary School were among those who attended this week.

"Last year we were forced to cancel because of foot-and-mouth and we were worried that interest may have fallen off but we were pleasantly surprised," said Mr Towler.

This year seven coaches from Bolton, all members of sports promotion organisation Ambassadors In Sport, helped teach the pupils a range of soccer skills and guide them through a series of competitions.

Today (Friday) children were set to be presented with trophies at a special award ceremony, attended by parents, at Cartmel Priory.