England stars lend a hand

[TheGift]

Prior to their friendly in Port of Spain to mark the centenary of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation, England's coaches and players joined in a soccer clinic at the Marvin Lee Stadium where local children took part in coaching sessions.

After an open training session at the Hasely Crawford stadium that saw carnival scenes from the watching fans as England arrived to play in the Caribbean for the first time, Fabio Capello, Stuart Pearce, Ray Clemence and four players visited the coaching session on Friday evening.

The reception from fans and young players was incredible as Beckham, Ferdinand, Gerrard and James stepped on to the pitch, and that was replicated in the eyes of players as young as six and seven who were able to trade passes with their England heroes and swap football stories.

David James gave advice to goalkeepers among the kids involved, while Ferdinand, Beckham and Gerrard all got involved in small-sided practice matches to the delight of the young Trinidadians who took the opportunity to showcase their skills and show the English players a glimpse of what to expect come Sunday evening.

The event was part of the longest period Fabio Capello has had with the players, and speaking after the soccer clinic David Beckham said it was vital for England's success in the future.

"The players are learning the manager is very strict and very serious and when you train, you train hard, and when you play, you play hard and when you are with the England team, you concentrate and wear that shirt with pride," Beckham said.

"The players know what he wants and are trying to make him happy and at the moment we are working hard and winning games. There is still a lot to learn and a lot of hard work to do but we are happy at the moment."

England's game with Trinidad and Tobago is just one of a varied list of events happening throughout the year for the TTFF. In addition to various coaching seminars and courses, Trinidad and Tobago will take on Puerto Rico and Panama in friendly matches, as well as Bermuda - the first 2010 FIFA World Cup™ qualifier for the Soca Warriors.

"One People, One Passion, One Game!" is the theme for the Trinidad and Tobago Football Federation's Year of Centennial Celebrations that will highlight everything that has happened since the formation of the TTFF.

FIFA.com - England stars lend a hand