As England prepare to take on Brazil in the World Cup, an accountant from north Wales is teaching young footballers to play the game like Pele.

Robert Hughes, has taken up the challenge to teach children in Colwyn Bay, Brazilian soccer skills.

England star Michael Owen will face Brazil on Friday

It is the only football school in Wales to offer youngsters the chance to learn training methods used by the four-time World Cup winners.

England and Brazil face each other in the quarter finals of the 2002 World Cup on Friday at 0730 BST.

Mr Hughes, 47, began teaching Futebol de Salao 18-months ago after going on course in the training methods organised by the Brazilian Football Association.

"It is a tremendous game and the kids really enjoy playing it.

"It is quite different from the usual style of football.

The children at the school I run are going from strength to strength - it is very rewarding

Robert Hughes, Colwyn Bay's Brazilian football school coach

"Because of the way the ball is weighted it lets the children control the ball more.

"It also doesn't bounce much and it is always easier to control the ball on the floor than in the air.

"So the children can concentrate on working with the ball.

"With the Football Association coaching methods, you often find that when a child tries to control the ball they can't and their confidence drops.

"With this style, they can work with the ball and build up their belief that they can do it. And with that belief comes confidence. It is very rewarding to see a child's confidence grow.

Futebol de Salao

5 aside game A smaller ball is used Ball is weighted so it doesn't bounce Pele, Rivelino, Juninho, Ronaldo and Rivaldo all played Futebol de Salao Allows children build their ball skills

"The signs of improvement can be seen in the ability of a child after just a few months," he added.

Mr Hughes, regularly goes on courses throughout the year to top-up his coaching skills, will be meeting up with Brazilian legend Jairzinho in July.

Top coaching

"Jairzinho scored in every round of the World Cup in 1970, so I am getting some top advice.

"The children at the school I run are going from strength to strength - it is very rewarding.

"I am hoping to set up some friendly matches with other teams this year, but because we are the only school in Wales, we will probably have to go to Leeds and Manchester to play," he added.

Soccer legend Pele played Futebol de Salao

Like much of the country, Mr Hughes is looking forward to the World Cup match between Brazil and England on Friday.

"The match promises to be a very interesting game, but I think that Brazil have got a bit more magic in their feet," he said.

If anyone wants to join the Colwyn Bay school contact Robert Hughes on 07733 263 108