ASPIRING young football goalkeepers, both boys and girls, are being given the chance to improve their skills.

Katz, a Nottingham coaching company which runs courses for would-be goalkeepers, is to hold its first residential programme in the Thirsk area.

The Katz team includes former Leicester City, Leeds, Celtic and Southampton keeper Ian Andrews, ex-Nottingham Forest and Halifax player Darren Heyes and Paul Robbins, who appeared for Notts County.

With more than 1,000 league appearances between them, the UEFA-qualified team have already worked alongside current and former stars such as Peter Shilton and Mark Crossley.

They now work with young talent at the Leicester and Nottingham Forest football academies.

Now in their third year, the Katz Kamps are open to goal keepers of all abilities, aged eight to 18.

The team has already run a number of three and five day non-residential events in Nottingham and Leicester but, following popular demand, the first residential one has been set-up.

There will be two courses at Alanbrooke Barracks, Topcliffe, a residential one from October 26 to 28, which costs £149 , and the option of a non-residential event on October 27 and 28 for £35.

Mr Heyes said: "Goalkeeping is such a specialist position it really does take qualified professionals to pass on such technical knowledge."

For more information contact (01949) 837020 or log onto the website at www.katzkeepers.co.uk