WITH the World Cup in South Africa just around the corner, football crazy children in Swindon are being given the chance to show off their soccer skills.

The town has organised an all day World Cup-themed Football Festival, welcoming a host of youthful talent to show off their skills and help embrace the spirit of the World Cup.

After the announcement of Fabio Capello’s 23-man squad confirming the likes of Wayne Rooney, pictured, and Steven Gerrard will compete with the world’s best, children aged three and over will indulge on a number of fun activities and tournaments hoping to become the next big star on the international stage.

A day for the family can be enjoyed by the parents where the event features some veterans’ matches. It’s a chance for mum and dad to relive their youth and show their children how experience can substitute fitness.

The event, which is being sponsored by McDonald’s, takes place on Saturday, starting at 9am and finishing at 5pm.

The former Liverpool and England footballer John Barnes will be attending the event, along with former Manchester United youth team coach Eric Harrison.

The Football Festival takes place at Dorcan Recreation Complex off St Paul’s Drive in Covingham where it will host people from different countries to reflect Swindon’s diverse communities.

With organisations in the town supporting this fun-packed day, Shane Hewlett, Football Development Officer for Swindon Council, said: “The Festival will showcase all the fantastic opportunities available to anyone who wants to play football here in Swindon.

“It will also provide pathways for participants to access local clubs and weekly structured sessions.

“We would like to encourage more of the town’s residents to engage in football activities, improving the standard of football while also keeping fit.” The Swindon Leopards will feature in a special exhibition match against a Swindon Town select team supported by Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool.