FOOTBALL’S new season may have only just kicked off – but competition is, quite literally, heating up as legends lead footy classes at holiday hotspots in Greece and Spain.

Liverpool and England legend Michael Owen has just completed a Football Escapes break in Andalusia, and hot on his heels will be Anton Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Shane Long and Jill Scott.

The famous five all signed up to headline five-day programmes offering coaching for kids both from the stars and UEFA-licensed coaches, at  beautiful beachfront resorts.

Ikos Aria, Kos

It’s the brainchild of Ikos Resorts, a company with sunshine sites in Kos, Halkidiki, Corfu and Andalusia.

Children aged from five to 15 years old enjoy two hours of high-energy training each day, building confidence and refining skills, ending with the awarding of a kit, medal and certificate.

Mums and dads can relax in five-star luxury, ranging from signature spa treatments to cocktails and gourmet dining, while the children are coached by professionals in a safe environment.

Spaces are still available with Anton Ferdinand at Ikos Aria, on Kos, from August 18 to 25; with Joe Cole at Ikos Dassia on Corfu (October 21 to 25) and with Irish international Shane Long at Ikos Andalusia (October 27 to 31).

Lioness Jill Scott MBE leads the year’s final escape at Halkidiki’s Ikos Olivia from October 27 to 31. More sessions are already being arranged for 2026 with Anton Ferdinand and other legends yet to be confirmed.

Updated team news, and full information about the breaks, can be found here.