Young guns invited to hone their skills at Arsenal Soccer Schools

They will be kicking off the next school year in Dacorum by holding a Saturday Football Club and Mini Gunners course at Sportspace Longdean in Hemel Hempstead - with both courses kicking-off on September 13.

The training courses will give youngsters aged between two and nine years the chance to learn to play the Arsenal way, with the courses developed based on the techniques used by Arsène Wenger to nurture young talent at the Arsenal academy.

For the two to five-year-olds, the Mini Gunners course allows coaches and parents to work as a team to show children important football skills.

For the six to nine-year-olds, the Saturday Football Club caters for all skill levels and develops close ball control and manipulation skills.

All of the courses follow the Arsenal philosophy: A - attitude; R - respect; S - skills; E - energy; N - new thinking; A - all for one; L - learning.

The main areas which the courses work on are discipline, basic skills, ball control, warm up, fun games, rule introduction, fitness and social interaction.

During the school break in October, there will also be soccer schools for boys and girls aged between five and 13 years of age.

For more experienced players, Arsenal Soccer Schools also run a Development Programme for six to 16-year-olds at Sportspace venues.

Players train weekly with an Arsenal Soccer Schools Development Centre coach and have the chance to be picked out to trial for the Advanced Training Centre.

Arsenal Soccer Schools regional manager Sam Rawlings said: “It’s very encouraging that so many young players want to take such an active part in our soccer schools.

“The children have been enthusiastic and keen, and the talent on show during the last few courses has been excellent.”

To book a place on one of the courses, visit www.playthearsenalway.com or call the hotline on 01442 938475.