Boro stars Willo Flood and Stephen McManus were introduced to Boro's MFC in the Community scheme with a Micro Soccer event to promote the club's popular Micro Soccer courses for budding young players.
The players were each given a team of four and five year olds, pupils from Rosewood School, Coulby Newham, to captain, through a series of games aimed at developing the youngsters' understanding of movement around a football pitch.
Midfielder Willo's 'Flood's Flyers' and defender Stephen's 'McManus's Marvels' went head to head in games such as 'dodge the defender', 'treasure hunt', 'clear the pitch' and the 'captain's challenge'.
For the captain's challenge, the players tackled the speed cage, with Flood once again coming out on top, recording the highest speed of 60, compared to McManus's 56.
There was also a small game of football with Flood and McManus acting as goalkeepers (McManus had to bend double to accommodate the child height goal!) which resulted in a couple of own goals as the youngsters got over excited and followed the ball as one.
One of the children was also puzzled by McManus's distinctive accent, pausing to ask him "Do you speak English?"
Both players were in excellent spirits and the children followed them, particularly McManus, like the Pied Piper.
In the end, Flood's Flyers, playing in Boro red, were the winners with 143 points overall. McManus's Marvels, in blue, put up a good fight but lost the contest with 139 points.
Flood said: "I've done events before [with Manchester City], but never with such young children, but I quite enjoyed it, I have a two and a half year old son myself so as long as the kids are happy, then I'm happy.
"It was nice to teach big Stevie a lesson too, he's six foot something and he was kicking like a little girl!"
The It's a Knockout challenge is part of Boro's "Community Champions" initiative that will highlight much of the great work being carried out by the club in the local community.
Along with MFC's own community scheme, Boro players will be visiting schools and charities during March and April to underline the club's wide-ranging community initiatives.
Boro players have made more than 400 community appearances for good causes, charities and community initiatives over the past 12 months, while MFC in the Community has benefited more than 43,000 individuals covering everything from healthy eating to anti-racism, from football skills to business enterprise.
Jo Bullen, lead Micros coach, said: "This is a great opportunity for the children to play football with their favourite Boro players, to learn new skills and have fun!
"The children have been taking part in sports lessons with MFC in the Community for the last six months and, as a reward, they are making the short trip to our Eston Centre to meet the players and compete in football orientated activities.
"The pupils are really looking forward to competing against each over to see who will be Boro's It's a Knockout Champions 2010!"
Micro Soccer courses are available at the Herlingshaw Centre in Eston every Tuesday and Thursday, 4pm-5pm for 4-5 year-olds and 5-6pm for 5-6 year-olds, with Mini Soccer for 6-7 year-olds available from 6pm-7pm.
Delivered by FA-qualified coaches, each hour-long session costs just £3 per child. Parents are free to stay and watch.
A Player of the Month is awarded to the child displaying the most dedication and improvement at the end of each month.
For more information on Micro Soccer and Mini Soccer with MFC in the Community please call 01642 282128 and press 9 to speak to the main office.
First published on www.ComeOnBoro.com on 4-3-10
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