GOALKEEPING coach George Crow has urged budding Shay Givens and Thomas Sorensens to come and join his sessions.

Crow, who has helped Hartlepool United and Horden Colliery Welfare in recent seasons, has set up a training school at Sunderland's Raich Carter Sports Centre.

And the 49-year-old has indicated he his willing to train any children wanting to improve or start their goalkeeper skills.

Crow, who is hoping the school will go from strength to strength, said: "We already have some good keepers from the East Durham area and now we want to expand.

"The coaching will help the foundation and development and improve all points of a goalkeepers game."

Crow has nearly 20 young keepers attending his sessions at the moment and is keen to attract more to the only school of its kind in the North-East.

He spent 19 years with the Royal Engineers, where he believes he has learnt many of his methods, and has trained youngsters on Sports Development programmes in both Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Children aged between eight and 16 are welcome to attend sessions at the Carter Centre in Sunderland's Hendon area - they will also run during February's school holidays.

Crow said: "For a five week course it costs just £10.20 and sessions run on a Saturday morning.

"With numbers ever-increasing we are looking to hold midweek sessions as well.

"We believe it will help give keepers good advice, improve skills and help them become better players."

l Anyone interested in joining the course should contact the Raich Sports Centre on (0191) 5532333.