In 1999 the BBC first screened the coaching series "Michael Owen's Soccer Skills". Simon Clifford worked as coach on the series, as Michael's assistant during the sessions and presenting aspects of the programme. Simon devised all of the coaching elements for the video and television series and wrote with Michael the coaching book that accompanied the series. All of the children who worked with Michael and Simon came from Brazilian Soccer Schools Leeds. The programmes were a great success and won an award for being one of the best children's programmes of 1999. Since then the series has been repeated twice and the book, video and DVD of the series have proved very popular.

"One of my most enjoyable projects was to take part in the production of my own soccer skills television series...it was my first opportunity to teach young kids. They were and outstanding bunch of boys and girls who had already developed their talent at the Brazilian Soccer Schools Leeds under the guidance of Simon Clifford.....they taught me one or two tricks with the ball that I am still trying to master. I wouldn't be surprised if I bump into one or two of them playing Premiership football at some stage in the future". Michael Owen

The training used at Brazilian Soccer Schools and the game of Futebol de Salão were showcased very well by the BBC series and this is definitely an important part of our on-going development. The young young players loved being involved and Michael did also, his game has changed dramatically since this period - perhaps due to the training phiolosphy he picked up from Simon and the BSS Leeds players?

"I have long been an admirer of Futebol de Salão and the work Simon is doing with young footballers, I hope that the Michael Owen series and video will provide a spring board to spread yhe gospel further."
Alan Hurndall, Chrysalis Television - Series Producer