YOUNGSTERS are being given the chance to learn how to emulate the footwork of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi or the safe hands of Thibaut Courtois and Petr Čech.

Free football skills training sessions for boys and girls aged between 5-15 are coming to Halesowen next week.

They have been designed to meet the aspirations for all footballing abilities and will take place at Powerleague, Park Road, Halesowen, on Monday, November 6 from 6pm.

There are two age-specific coaching sessions, which will be overseen by former Watford and Brentford goalkeeper Richard Lee, and ex-Crystal Palace, Brentford and Oxford United defender David Hunt. Between them, they have amassed over 600 league appearances.

So, whether your son or daughter is looking to make the step up into the professional game, or simply looking to hone their skills for their local club, Lee and Hunt have come together to create that all-inspiring total football experience under the guise of GK Icon and TetraBrazil.

The outfield coaching sessions have been recreated by David Hunt to give youngsters a taste of professional modern day coaching techniques. However, if you’re more of a dab hand in goal, Lee is able to pass on his Premier League experience and conditioning techniques to set you on the right track.

Speaking ahead of the event, Lee said: “It’s rare for two football academies to come together to provide properly for both goalkeepers and outfield players, normally it’s just one or the other.

“The idea behind the coaching sessions is to give players and parents some insight into actual professional coaching style techniques and how we, as coaches and mentors, work with players to help take their game to the next level.

“The Football Association have realised that the focus at grass roots level needs to change to make players more confident on the ball, and our coaching style and philosophy aligns with their development strategy,” he added.

Two back-to-back coaching sessions will take place at Powerleague's Halesowen facility between 6pm – 7pm (5 to 10 year olds) and 7pm – 8pm (11 to 15 year olds). Players will need to bring the appropriate footwear for an artificial (3G) playing surface, shin pads and plenty to drink.

To register your interest for the free open evening event – and the opportunity to meet a few ex-pros in the process – go to gkicon.com/halesowen/register for the goalkeeping sessions or eventbrite.co.uk to search for the Halesowen outfield sessions.

For more information contact Simon Burnham on 07855 776766 or email simonburnham@gkicon.com.