Maltese kids are as talented as the English - Neville

Maltese kids are as skilful and talented as their English counterparts but their development seems to be hitting a wall when they reach the age of 16 to 18.

This is the view of Gary Neville, the Manchester United and England defender, who has been impressed by local talent since he began to organise his soccer schools in Malta two years ago.

"The level of the children at the ages I've seen here compares extremely well with that in England," Neville said.

"The boys here are more skilful and very disciplined. The standard is even higher than back home. Something must be going wrong when the boys reach the 16-18 age bracket. I don't know where the problem lies... maybe Paceville is too easily accessible to the Maltese," Neville, sporting a broad smile on his sun-reddened face, said.

"Local boys have the talent that the English boys have and it surprises me that there are so few Maltese playing in the European leagues."

Neville, fresh from his sixth Premier League title for his team, was at the local branch of the Manchester United Supporters' Club (MUSC) in Sta Venera yesterday to launch the third Gary Neville Soccer Schools.

"I am excited as ever to be having the Gary Neville Soccer Schools in Malta," the 28-year-old right-back, a mainstay of the United defence for the past 10 years, said.

"I have been amazed by the level of coaching provided during the first two editions and I am sure that the quality of coaching will be equally high this time around," Neville said.

Neville also praised the behaviour of the children who participated in the first soccer schools, saying that they were very disciplined and showed utmost respect to their seniors.

"This year's school will have the same features as the previous ones with giant inflatables and games enhancing the fun value," Neville said. "Instead of one session of three hours per day, we have opted for two 90-minute sessions daily to aid maximum concentration from the kids."

Neville also maintained that his schools still attach great significance to the element of fun.

"The reason for these activities was to see children enjoying themselves. Yet, the standard of coaching has been so high and the children have shown themselves so willing to learn that I'm sure that they have taken some useful tips on board."

The 2003 Gary Neville Schools will be staged at the Hamrun Ground between June 30 and July 4. Participants can choose to attend any of the two sessions held daily - 5.30 p.m-7 p.m. or 7.15 p.m.-8.45 p.m. Kids aged between six and 16 may enrol against a participation fee of Lm30.

The school's coaching line-up is spearheaded by Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia, the current Pietà Hotspurs coach and former Malta U-21 mentor, and Carmel Busuttil, one of Malta's most successful players ever.

Also present for yesterday's launching were Franco Mizzi, MUSC president, and John Buttigieg, representing the Gary Neville Soccer Schools organising team.

More information on the Gary Neville Soccer Schools may be obtained by phoning 9947-7910.