PICTURES: Benfica football coaches including former Ukraine international Serguei Kandaurov lead Moray youngsters aged 6 to 14 on Coerver training sessions hosted by Elgin Sports Community Trust at the Gleaner Arena

Published: 10:55, 25 October 2023

| Updated: 10:57, 25 October 2023

The world's number one football skills coaching method came to Moray last week.

Finn Anderson chases down the ball. ..SL Benfica coaching and training held at Elgin's Gleaner Arena...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Coerver Coaching sent two of Portuguese giants Benfica's top coaches including former Ukrainian international Serguei Kandaurov to Elgin as part of their tour of the north of Scotland.

Benfica coach Serguei Kandaurov talks to a group of players. ..SL Benfica coaching and training held at Elgin's Gleaner Arena...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

Sessions were hosted by the Elgin Sports Community Trust at their Gleaner Arena football facility next to Elgin City's Borough Briggs ground.

A total of 72 youngsters aged between six and 14 from Moray and across the north east took part in the morning and afternoon coaching, braving some stormy weather.

Youngsters aged 6 to 14 took part in the Coerver sessions. .Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

They were given the opportunity to pose for photographs alongside an exact replica of the Champions League trophy, which was brought to Moray.

Liam Brander (left) and Jack Robertson with the UEFA Champions League trophy. Benfica won the UCL in 1961 and 1962. ..SL Benfica coaching and training held at Elgin's Gleaner Arena...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

ESCT director of operations Robbie Hope explained how the event came about.

The action hots up at the Gleaner Arena. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

"Usually, these opportunities only happen in the central belt, so it's nice for our area to have been chosen," he said.

"Benfica sent two of their coaches, Joao Rosmaninho and Serguei Kandaurov - who's a former Benfica player - supported by Coerver coaching staff."

From left; Benfica coach Joao Rosmaninho, Gleaner Arena operations director Robbie Hope and Benfica coach Serguei Kandaurov...SL Benfica coaching and training held at Elgin's Gleaner Arena...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

He said Benfica and Coerver - which is rated as the best football coaching method in the world - have a youth football global partnership, working together and sharing their ideas.

The young players were coached the Benfica way - called 'Think Forw>rd, Play Forw>rd' - which included ball mastery exercises, one-versus-one practices and small group games.

Noah Blacklaw drives forward...SL Benfica coaching and training held at Elgin's Gleaner Arena...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

"This was a huge milestone for ESCT attracting the Portuguese league champions to run coaching sessions at The Gleaner Arena," Hope added. "We will be looking to host many more events to provide positive sporting experiences.

Leo Ferguson (left) watches as Noah Blacklaw (right) looks for his next pass. ..SL Benfica coaching and training held at Elgin's Gleaner Arena...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

He said the venture received some good feedback from the youngsters and their parents who attended.

A total of 72 youngsters took part in the Coerver coaching sessions in Elgin. Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

"They found it interesting with the different culture and way of coaching from the Portuguese coaches.

"Unfortunately the weather wasn't the best, but everyone enjoyed the football sessions with some players winning awards for their efforts.

Archie Cowie drives forward with the ball...SL Benfica coaching and training held at Elgin's Gleaner Arena...Picture: Daniel Forsyth..

"Another big highlight was the Champions League replica trophy in attendance that the players and parents were able to get photos with."

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Football Free Inspire me Craig Christie