TALENTED young soccer stars from north and west Wiltshire are training with football coaches from the famous Real Madrid Academy in Spain.

A total of 46 youngsters aged seven to 15 – including one girl, Ruby Beanland, 10 – are taking part in the week-long training camp organised by AFC Corsham.

The children all come from the Bath, Corsham, Chippenham and Melksham areas and are learning from industry professionals at AFC Corsham’s Leafy Lane ground.

AFC Corsham spokesman Simon Bray said: “It has been a fantastic success. The children are coming here and having an absolutely great time.

“It is quite interesting to see what they do. They are even using telematics and computers to test the children’s ball skills and fitness levels.

“We want the children to feel like they are playing for Real Madrid. They have been given a full Real Madrid kit by Adidas, and an Adidas football each.

“They have also been given a Real Madrid club water bottle each and are eating healthy nutritional lunches.”

Some of the youngsters have been gifted places on the £300 training camp by local sponsors, including housing developer Redcliffe Homes, engineering firm A H Dodd and Co of Box and Fleet Services Ltd of Corsham.

Ten-year-old Ruby Beanland, who plays for Chippenham Town Youth U10s team, was given the voucher by engineering firm A H Dodd and Co in Box.

Chippenham secretary Terry McCosh said: “Ruby’s love for the game helped her through a family death and continues to give her something positive to focus on.

“The chance to take part in the Real Madrid camp will provide her with a never-to-forget life experience.”

Levi Ross, 11, a Corsham AFC player, received his voucher from developers Redcliffe Homes, which is building at Park Place in the town.