A LEGENDARY Brazilian footballer visited the town to teach the soccer stars of the future his silky skills.

Jairzinho, who scored one of the most memorable World Cup goals ever against England in 1970, paid a visit to the Manor Sports Club, Kearsley, yesterday to meet young people of the Bolton Brazilian Soccer School.

He met youngsters from across the North-west who train using the Brazilian Futebol de Salao -- a football game played on a hard surface using a smaller, weighted ball as a learning tool.

The world famous player, who starred alongside Pele and Rivelino in what is regarded as the greatest football team of all time, said he enjoyed being in Bolton and thought it was wonderful meeting the young footballers.

But one 11-year-old boy was not as awe-inspired. Jamie McGinlay claimed his father was a better player -- former Wanderers hero John McGinlay. The youngster said: "I think I have learned a lot from Jairzinho -- but I don't think he's as good as my dad.

"But my dad thinks it's good that I have been able to play football with him."

Jairzinho said: he had enjoyed celebrating his country's World Cup win this year -- and also controversially claimed that Ronaldinho aimed for goal when he took the free-kick that went looping over David Seaman's head and into the net.

He said: "This is not the first time that a Brazilian player has scored this type of goal. The Brazilian players in the 2002 World Cup team were very talented.

"Young English players who are joining soccer schools like this are picking up the skills of the Brazilian teams and could be world class players themselves." The Kearsley-based Bolton Brazilian Soccer School, which was formed 18 months ago and is run by Brian Leech, of Hallstead Avenue, Little Hulton, has around 50 members aged between six and 16. To get involved with group, contact Brian on 0161 281 9720.

A LEGENDARY Brazilian footballer visited the town to teach the soccer stars of the future his silky skills.

Jairzinho, who scored one of the most memorable World Cup goals ever against England in 1970, paid a visit to the Manor Sports Club, Kearsley, yesterday to meet young people of the Bolton Brazilian Soccer School.

He met youngsters from across the North-west who train using the Brazilian Futebol de Salao -- a football game played on a hard surface using a smaller, weighted ball as a learning tool.

The world famous player, who starred alongside Pele and Rivelino in what is regarded as the greatest football team of all time, said he enjoyed being in Bolton and thought it was wonderful meeting the young footballers.

But one 11-year-old boy was not as awe-inspired. Jamie McGinlay claimed his father was a better player -- former Wanderers hero John McGinlay. The youngster said: "I think I have learned a lot from Jairzinho -- but I don't think he's as good as my dad."

Jairzinho said: "Young English players who are joining soccer schools like this are picking up the skills of the Brazilian teams and could be world class players themselves." The Kearsley-based Bolton Brazilian Soccer School, which was formed 18 months ago and is run by Brian Leech, of Hallstead Avenue, Little Hulton, has around 50 members aged between six and 16. To get involved with group, contact Brian on 0161 281 9720.