Football’s coming home!! Well, coming to Competa anyway. Starting in the next month or so, a weekly football training session for local kids is kicking off at the superb Campo de Futbol Stadium in Competa.  

F.A. qualified football coach Phil McEvoy moved to Spain a year ago and since arriving here has worked for both Charlton Athletic European Soccer School and Costa Football Academy. Having moved to Archez, Phil soon got involved with the local 5 a side game and learned from playing parents that an English run football night would be well supported. This seemed an ideal opportunity to put something back into the community, so he approached the Ayuntamiento armed with interpretor Natalie Brooks (Tel 645 654 677)  to try and secure the fantastic football facility we have here in Competa.

The Council’s response was fantastic as they were delighted an alternative football session might be a possibility. “Councillor Isidro and Israel from the Sports Department have been really supportive, offering the pitch and lights, as well as some assistance with manpower and equipment” Phil told the Grapevine.

Although initially aimed at ex-pat children and their Spanish friends the Townhall wanted to open the night up to all the local Spanish kids as well. They will be promoting it at the schools and are sure it will be very popular. “I think it’s fantastic that the Council want to get behind the project and it will be a challenge for me to manage something that has grew beyond what we first envisaged.”

The aim of the night is to provide a fun safe environment so the children enjoy their football to the full. Its aimed at all levels from ages 6 to 14 , girls and boys. All sessions are planned to include warm-ups, fun games, skill improvement drills and matches so the kids can put everything they’ve learned together. Its also a great training supplement for any boys or girls already in a team or simply wanting to get fit

The night is due to start in the New Year and anyone wishing to sign up needs to register with Phil by ringing 657 149 712. Who knows, we may see the next Wayne Rooney doing keepy ups on our own local park!