Darrell vows to return to Man United
Zaarion Darrell enjoyed his experiences at the Manchester United Soccer School course so much he has vowed to return to the UK for future trials with the Premier champions.The ten-year-old striker impressed the coaching staff during the six-day course held in Staffordshire, earning special praise for demonstrating a positive attitude, enthusiasm towards the game and exceptional wizardry on the ball in one-on-one situations.He also received top marks for his passing technique, awareness around the pitch and communication skills and for added measure won a dribbling competition during a football festival held in conjunction with the course.“Zaarion has been a pleasure to coach and can improve by checking his shoulders more in practice and games to improve his awareness,” commented Manchester United Soccer School coach Micheal Sup.The annual course, based on the model used by the club’s youth academy, places emphasis on the fundamental techniques of the game and teaches boys and girls ranging in ages from eight to 16 how to play the ‘United way’ in a fun and friendly atmosphere at Denstone College.Darrell, who attends Delton E. Tucker Primary School, said it was a privilege to train in such a professional environment.“It was a real experience to live and train like the pros do, making friends and being around players that all want to be professionals,” he added.The promising footballer, who is also a cricket and track and field enthusiasts, is a big fan of United and rates Portuguese winger Nani as his favourite Red Devils player.“Nani has it all; pace, shooting, vision and he can turn on a dime,” he said. “United is a massive club and have an exciting style of play and have produced some of the world’s best players.”The aspiring pro was born on the same day as Argentina star Lionel Messi but is quick to point out which World Cup team he backs to the core.“I like Messi a lot, but Brazil will always be my team of choice,” he declared.Darrell topped the scoring charts for Trojans’ Under -eight team during the 2009-10 campaign.He is also a past Kappa-Pee-Wee MVP, winning the tournament’s Under seven and eight divisions with Trojans in consecutive years.The budding striker said his biggest source of inspiration comes from his proud father Gregory.“He keeps me level- headed and constantly reminds me that football will always improve with patience,” he said. “He is always an inspiration to me.”