The second annual Shaun Goater Grassroots Soccer Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, according to the man himself.

While last year?s inaugural event was hailed a roaring success, Goater, back on the Island for the next five weeks, says there will be plenty more in store for all participants at this year?s festival which kicks off tomorrow and runs through to June 5 at the National Sports Centre.

?I promised that this year?s festival would be bigger and better . . . and it is!? Goater exclaimed at a press conference with sponsors yesterday.

Goater emphasised the festival was not a coaching school for elite players but a real opportunity for children of both sexes and all ages and abilities to join in and have fun.

In addition to the skill sessions, a five-a-side competition (for boys and girls) involving clubs, corporate teams and schools will again be staged ? only this time around in a 30 by 50 foot inflatable pitch Goater dubbed as ?The Cage?.

Fans will also be able to participate during the festival as a target practice booth ? a slide and a speed device which clocks the velocity of one?s kick ? has been erected for added enjoyment.

BTC were the inaugural winners of the Corporate Cup in last year?s five-a-side tournament in which 14 teams competed.

The highlight of the week-long festival will be next Friday?s friendly match between Manchester City?s Youth Academy and the senior national squad who will use the game as a warm-up ahead of the World Cup clash against El Salvador early next month.

City, Goater?s former club, arrive on the Island tomorrow and are again here to assist in the skills sessions to be held on Tuesday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 2 at the NSC.

All participants must be registered before 3 p.m. tomorrow and entry forms can be obtained at the XL Capital House.

?What we have done is introduced a few more inflatable games to entertain the people while they may be standing on the side . . . we are looking to incorporate everyone. And the games that we have brought are not only for those who possess football talent,? Goater explained.

?Manchester City are back here again and will be organising the skills sessions with the children. Friday?s game will be the highlight of the week and I hope as many people as possible will be there cheering for Bermuda.?

Meanwhile, XL Capital Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Gavin Arton, commented: ?XL is pleased to be the primary sponsor of the second Shaun Goater Grassroots Soccer Festival. We were impressed with the event?s purpose last year to bring the community together and particularly to provide an avenue for young people to showcase and develop their soccer skills and team spirit.?

Edgar Dill, President and CEO of co-sponsors BTC, stated: ? This event is a tremendous opportunity for Bermuda in general and for our youth in particular. BTC?s involvement in the Shaun Goater Grassroots Soccer Festival is part of our genuine commitment to creating opportunities for encouraging young people to succeed. And we are truly privileged to have a role in making this happen.?