Not too late to kick off with pros this half-term

Football Escapes – founded by footballers Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora and premiership football coach Sam Hubert – will fly Michael Owen and Billy Wingrove to host half-term sessions at the Parklane Resort & Spa in Limassol, Cyprus, from 24-31 October.

Children of all abilities aged between 5 and 15 will have the opportunity to train alongside the former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen and freestyle footballer and YouTube sensation Billy Wingrove, with kids enjoying two-hour daily sessions spread over a week at the resort.

The course will be supported by Football Escapes’ team of UEFA-qualified coaches and will take place within the grounds of the Parklane Resort & Spa’s children’s area, set across two pitches.

And for those families who want to stay closer to home, Football Escapes is to return to The Grove in Hertfordshire for October half term.

The next family staycation there takes place from 28-30 October with a top-class coaching team and a yet-to-be confirmed former premier-league player.

There will be daily training, meet and greet sessions with the players, a FIFA tournament in the hotel’s cinema room and a certificate presentation on the final day, as well as Halloween-themed games.

Each child enrolled on the courses will also be provided with a full kit including a warm jacket, personalised shirt, shorts and socks, as well as a signed certificate and medal on completion of the course.