Sporting in talks with Penryn over soccer academy
Penryn is being considered as a possible host for Sporting Lisbon to open a football academy in the Lowveld.
Penryn wants to establish a soccer academy – backed no less a club than Sporting Lisbon. The school hosted Sporting Clube de Portugal (SPC) on Saturday to gauge interest in the academy.
The Portuguese club is considered one of the top youth academies in the world, having produced Ballon d’Or recipients Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Figo.
The club has also opened football schools and academies in other countries, including South Africa, and now, they are considering opening an academy in the Lowveld.
According to John Gomes, who acts as a liaison between the school and club, having been involved with Sporting Lisbon in South Africa for years, there is a need for this level of coaching in the area.
Penryn pupils were invited to the open-day training on Saturday, but should an academy be established it would be open to all players.
The academy may be based at Penryn and offer children professional coaching throughout the year, with games over weekends.
Gomes said children will also get the opportunity to visit the national academy in Portugal.
John Braga, technical director for Sporting Lisbon academy in South Africa attended the open day and ran drills with the players.
“It is important for the club that the children must also do well academically. They don’t want to develop only to be good players, but also good people,” said Gomes.
Grant Williams, principal of Penryn Prep, said, “At this stage Sporting is looking at starting a soccer academy in the Lowveld and Penryn hosted their open day to gauge interest in the academy”.
Enquiries: Penryn on 013-758-9000.
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