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SOCCER-MAD children are getting the benefit of youth and experience when it comes to honing their skills at Bahrain Rugby Club.
The regular weekly coaching sessions attract 170 youngsters aged between six and 15 every Thursday to the Saar ground.
The regular coaching team is being supported by teenagers aiming to gain their Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme bronze certificates at the same time as one of Bahrain's most highly-respected football coaches, Nabeel Saad Bubshait, has joined the ranks.
Senior coach Chris Kennedy said: "The youngsters are full of enthusiasm and it's wonderful to watch them learning and being encouraged by senior school pupils. Also, our Under 16s' Elite Squad is benefitting tremendously from Nabeel's experience and knowledge of the game."
Alessandro Padula, 15, a pupil at St Christopher's Senior School, a right winger in the Under 16s, arrives at the ground early with fellow students taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme to assist the coaches with the sessions for younger children.
"I've been helping the under eights and it's great to encourage them and watch how much they love to play the game," said the son of Italian Ambassador Enrico.
Alessandro, from Saar, is also guiding his younger brother, Francesco, six. He joked: "It's the only time he ever listens to me!"
Nabeel, 54, started coaching in Bahrain in 1981, including a spell with the youth team set-up at the mighty Muharraq Club.
He said he has been impressed with the ability of the club's young players and was helping to increase their fitness levels. "It's all about strength and skill - you can't have just one, you need both to play at a high level."
The Elite Under 16s' development will come under focus in a crunch encounter on February 10 against the Arsenal Soccer School Bahrain Under 16s, a side set to compete in a major youth tournament in London during the summer.
Rugby Club members willing to assist the coaches are being encouraged to come forward to help cope with the growing demand for courses.
