FITC Legends Course Huge Success

OVER one hundred enthusiastic children took part in the Legends Soccer School, organized by Football in the Community.

The youngsters who participated in the event, held at Pinebanks were offered a unique Soccer School environment, kicking off their school summer holidays in sporting style. The three-day course gave the children the chance to practice and play under the guidance of different Norwich City Football Club legends each day.

Those Canaries stars who got involved and passed on their valuable experience from their playing days were Darren Eadie, Mark Barham, Neil Adams, Jeremy Goss, Bryan Gunn and Craig Fleming. Director of FITC, Ian Thornton, told First News he was delighted at the outcome of the event. ' We are grateful to all the players who participated for giving up some time to spend with children attending the FITC Norwich City FC Legends Course.

"Both past and current players have a big effect on young children in many ways when they attend FITC events. The ex players in their day were all very good players and all in turn have contributed hugely to Norwich City FC. This course has given both children and their parents the chance again to rub shoulders, be coached and have some fun with some excellent former NCFC players.

''At one point we were worried who was enjoying it the most. Eadie took great pleasure telling me he'd scored a hat-trick, all be it against a 10 year old!''

Ex-City player Neil Adams took part in coaching the soccer school pupils, and speaking at the event commented, "It's great to see the enjoyment that the kids here get from it. There's an amazing amount of kids and walking around you see the many different activities that FITC have put on for them.

"After 20 years in football, you should have enough expertise and know how to pass on a few tips and ideas on to the kids here today. Everyone seems to be having a fantastic time, and that's what days like this are all about - not all the kids want to become footballers, they just enjoy playing it."

The Legends Soccer School is the first of several courses planned by FITC for the 2008 summer holidays, all of which are fantastic ways for all ages and abilities to get involved with the beautiful game. Another ex-Canary, Mark Barham, was amazed at the talent on show. "This kind of thing means that you get to put something back into the community, and myself and the other ex-players love coming along and getting involved with things like this.

"There's a lot of lads here today with real talent, but it needs to be nurtured and this is exactly the kind of place that they need to be coming so that the Club can see what they've got for the future. They're all so enthusiastic and it's really obvious how much they enjoy their football."

As part of the course, youngsters took part in a ‘Euro 2008' tournament, where the children played for different ‘countries', and practiced various skills. They also had the chance to have a go at the Speed Kick, which measured how fast they shot the ball into the goal. In the recent summer heat, those supervising the children made sure they kept hydrated and kept sunburn at bay.

Head Coach for FITC, Scott Emmerson, joined in on the fun and was pleased that so many children opted to spend their summer break keeping active. "Courses like this are great because the kids come along with big smiles on their faces and it means that they're out in the fresh air and sunshine, rather than being stuck indoors in front of the TV.

"There are some really talented five and six year olds who are really good little players, and I'd like to hope that they have a bright future ahead of them with Norwich City. The kids are absolutely loving being here and even the weather has been great. I've really enjoyed myself too!"

For further information on football courses across the summer, contact FITC on 01603 761122.