Newcastle United legends heading to Thurso Football Academy this weekend
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NEWCASTLE United legends Noberto Solano and Steve Watson are set to put young footballers from across the far north through their paces this weekend.
The duo will be hosting a coaching weekend with Thurso Football Academy on Saturday and Sunday at Naver All Weather Pitch.
Over 100 kids have registered to take part where they will learn skills and techniques from the duo.
Peruvian midfielder Solano (48) played for Newcastle United between 1998 and 2004 and then again between 2005 and 2007, spending a season at Aston Villa inbetween.
Watson (49) who played as a full back for Newcastle between 1990 and 1998 made over 200 appearances for the Magpies.
Thurso Football Academy head coach Alyn Gunn says it is a huge coup to bring two famous names from Newcastle United.
He thinks kids who attend the coaching sessions will learn a lot this weekend.
“Both men are still involved with the Newcastle United academy and it is great that we can attract two big names,” he said.
“They are doing football training with the kids, our age groups are between three and 15 in three separate sessions.
“In total 106 kids will be taking part across both days of the event.
“We have received sponsorship which was important for this event to go ahead so we are grateful.”
The Thurso Football Academy, which was founded by Gunn, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
During its existence, it has brought some big names to the far north to lead coaching sessions with talented youngsters.
They have included Marvin Andrews, Simon Donnelly, Charlie Miller, Gregory Vignal and Stephen Wright.
Alex McLeish is heading north with the Rangers Soccer Academy this summer and Benfica are also set to lead a training session later this summer.
The academy are also scouting players for Caley Thistle and Rangers Academy.
Gunn never thought the academy would be this successful when he founded it 10 years ago, but is looking forward to creating more opportunities for young footballers in the future.
“We have been lucky that our name and reputation is getting out there,” he said.
“It is attracting names of former players and current coaches that we would never have got if we weren’t doing something right. We have some big events taking place in the area this year.”
