CATSHILL Juniors U10s are preparing for the new season in style after sampling European football with a tour of the Netherlands.

The team played two friendly matches during their five-day stay near Maastricht earlier this month.

In two games of contrasting fortunes, the team lost 5-1 and won 6-1.

It is the second year the squad has travelled to Holland and manager Paul Allbutt was pleased with the performance.

He said: "Both matches were very competitive. We scored seven goals overall and the standard of play was excellent with plenty of passing and movement off the ball."

Allbutt also believes the experience will hold the team in good stead when they move up to U11s level next season.

l Catshill Juniors is also running a soccer school for children aged between five and nine-years-old.

Sessions run each Saturday, starting this week until July 27, between 10am and 11.30am at Catshill First School, in Gibb Lane.

The course includes penalty competitions and mini soccer matches as well as trophies and certificates.

Sessions cost £2.50 or £8 for all four. For more details, Paul Albutt on 0121 476 8231 or Steve Price on 01527 874728.