opportunity to train under the expert tutelage of one of British soccer's more colourful characters at the Youth Soccer Camp hosted by BAA.

Headlining the camp was former England international Frank Worthington, who, along with a group of local coaches, put participants through their paces, examining various aspects of the game, such as dribbling, passing and exploring game situations.

Capped eight times during a 22-year career that saw him make 882 overall appearances and score 266 goals during tenures with 12 teams, including Huddersfield Town, Leicester, Birmingham City, Leeds and Southampton, the striker is known as one of the more extrovert personalities the game has produced.

The trademark slicked-back hair remains, as does the relaxed personality of the man who has been compared to the likes of Charlie George and Tony Currie in terms of skill and their ability to entertain the crowd.

During his playing days, Worthington was also noted for his numerous forays away from the field of play. He had his share of beauty queens, fast cars, flashy suits and life on the party circuit.

He was set to link up with Keegan at Liverpool back in 1972 in what was purported to be the biggest transfer deal at the time, however Worthington explained that the deal fell through when he was discovered to have a blood pressure problem.

"I had a little bit of bad luck and that twist of fate went against me at the wrong time in my career,'' said Worthington, still appearing svelte as in his playing days. "That Liverpool move would have been a big stage for me...an international stage. And I probably would have been as well known as say Kevin Keegan, because I was probably a more talented player.

"But Keegan was a wonderful example to any youngster for getting the most out of his talent.'' As for the local youngsters who were his charges on Saturday and Sunday, Worthington gave glowing reviews, noting their high skill level and willingness to learn.

He emphasised the difficulty of having to condense his lesson plan into one day and expressed interest in returning, possibly to conduct a similar clinic over a longer period -- a week.

"You have some very talented youngsters here, there is no doubt about that and it's been a pleasure for me to come along and help and try to pass on a little bit of the basic way of playing the game,'' he said. "I've seen some superb individual skills from many of the boys.

"Great skills, a natural sort of rhythm and natural flair ... things that I consider wonderful ingredients to enable them to progress to a higher level in football.

"Possibly a dozen players I've worked with this weekend all have possibilities to go on and further themselves. It's an early age yet to say whether they could go on and play professional, but they're very talented youngsters who could go on to eventually make it as professional players.'' Meanwhile, BAA club president David Kneisler said that the aim of the programme was to help "develop the youth mentally, physically and culturally''.

He added that while soccer was the focus of this camp it was the club's aim to reach further into the community and expand to other sports.

He noted how BAA did not have a junior programme as many as eight years ago and that they were now "on the right track'' in terms of involving the youth and seeking to develop positive attitudes among them.

He praised Worthington for his role over the weekend, as well as the work put in by several local -- past and present -- players who devoted their time in aiding the success of the clinic.

"He (Worthington) was so good with the boys and they related to him immediately and really enjoyed their time,'' said Kniesler.

Saturday night saw everyone sleeping together in the gym -- emphasising the team concept -- and as reward for their participation each child received a football.

Volunteers provided meals and there were numerous other prizes handed out, with Justin Ratteray and Kevin Mooney receiving special awards from Worthington.

PAYING ATTENTION -- Former England international Frank Worthington gives instruction to some alert youngsters during the weekend clinic at BAA field.