Pro Touch stars hit the big screen
Published: 4 March 2010
by STEVE BARNETT
FOOTBALLERS from the Pro Touch Soccer Academy will make their debut on the silver screen on Saturday when a film following their trials and tribulations on the pitch has its premiere in the West End.
Almost 350 people are expected to turn out at the Empire Cinema in Leicester Square for the showing of Goals and Dreams: The Journey – a documentary about disadvantaged footballers from Camden and Islington competing in an international competition held in Denmark last summer.
Pro Touch director Ash Rahman is hoping that the 30-minute film will give people a rare insight into what it is like for a young player trying to make it within the professional game.
“The film will show how players deal with the pressures of taking part in a major football tournament abroad. I don’t think people understand how difficult it is for a youngster to adapt to being away from their friends and family, and still trying to perform at the highest level.
“It’s a lot of pressure to deal with, but it is something they will have to get use to if they are to go on and play for a successful club,” he added.
The Pro Touch Academy took an Under-12s and an Under-15s side to compete in the Dana Cup in Denmark last summer. Although both age groups were knocked out in the quarter-finals, it was an experience that Ash believes can only make the boys better players.
“Even though the boys returned home empty handed, it was a vital step in their development to becoming better players. We decided to film their experience so that we can show the younger players within our academy what they have to look forward to if they can make the grade.
“It gives them something to work towards.
“It also reminds everyone that they have a lot of youngsters to be proud of, who are working hard to fulfill their dreams.”