They are back, bigger and better

They are back, bigger and better than ever. For the second year in succession, Gary Neville, the Manchester United defender and Malta`s tourism ambassador in the UK, has chosen Malta to stage his second soccer schools for children, aged between eight and 15.

The schools, which will take up to 400 children, will be held between June 24 and July 5 at the Hibs Ground in Corradino.

In his introduction to the second Gary Neville Soccer Schools, the Manchester United player, currently in Malta promoting his venture while recovering from a foot injury which ruled him out of the World Cup, said: "The Schools are five days of soccer magic for young footballers. Whether you are looking to improve your skills or just join in the fun, the schools have been planned to suit everyone`s needs."

Last year, the Gary Neville Soccer Schools proved to be an instant hit, with young Maltese players flocking to the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun to participate in the specially-designed training sessions, led by a team of English and Maltese coaches, spearheaded by Neville himself and the popular Ray `Zazu` Farrugia, who is bound to quit his Malta U-21 national coaching job in the coming days.

The attractive giant inflatables flown over to Malta specifically for the Gary Neville Soccer Schools last year will again be available at Corradino together with the latest addition to the collection - Human Soccer.

"Thanks to Pepsi, we shall be bringing over a human table football which should increase the element of fun during practising. We want our schools to be an enjoyable experience," Neville Neville, father of Gary and director at Tiger Sports Management Ltd, the organisers of the schools, told The Sunday Times.

"My soccer schools went very well last year. There were hundreds of youngsters taking part but we did not have one single complaint... definitely a good sign," Gary commented.

He confirmed that he will be here while the schools are on and also revealed that he has approached a couple of United team-mates to make guest appearances. However, Neville said he would not be promising anything until the players confirm their visit.

The Nevilles have again managed to put together a great team of foreign and local coaches.

Neville Snr said they would like to see more girls participating in their schools this year and to this end, his daughter Tracey, a keen sportswoman and an England netball international, will be coming over to work with the girls during the schools.

"One of the players chosen to spend a few days in Manchester last November was a young girl and I must stress, that her selection was thoroughly deserved especially for the dedication she showed during the schools," Gary said.

This year, there will be several competitions and the coaches will assess four of the most improved players from the various age groups. Those selected will spend a weekend in Manchester where they will visit Old Trafford and watch a Premier League match.

"Last year, we had a dedicated team of coaches and this year will be no different. We will be looking to provide the same level of coaching to the kids," Gary said.

Their choice of the Hibs Ground was motivated by their desire to take the schools to different parts of the island.

"The Hibs Ground is a first-rate football venue and the fact that their team are the new champions of Malta will help to add allure to our schools," Gary remarked.

Further information on the Gary Neville Soccer Schools 2002 may be obtained from Randolph Mizzi on 2137-0904 or 9947-7910.