AN England footballer gave young players a thrill when he turned up to their training sessions.

Newcastle United player Jermaine Jenas visited Stockton to take part in a Brazilian soccer school game.

The Stockton branch is one of 400 Brazilian soccer schools across the UK.

Jenas followed former Middlesbrough manager Bryan Robson in endorsing the school.

Head coach Richie Allan said the youngsters in the town used the same techniques as the Brazilians and play a fast-paced Brazilian football game called Futebol de Salao.

Music is brought in to help youngsters become more comfortable with the ball and they also use a smaller, weighted ball that does not bounce as much.

Jenas, tipped as a future England captain, was invited to Stockton as an example of an English player with Brazilian skills, and made the trip at the weekend.

Mr Allan said: "Jenas was really interested in what we are doing and hopefully through Futebol de Salao we will be seeing more players like him want to play football for the pure love of the game."

Brazilian football in Teesside junior leagues is held on a Friday, between 5pm and 9pm for eight to 14-year-olds.

A total of 52 teams play the game at VIDA Teesside.