Former Newcastle United player Steven Taylor has promised to work with Excel Soccer Academy to develop football talent.

The former defender is here to pass on skills on how to make it as an all-round footballer both on and off the pitch.

“I am glad to be working with a Ugandan academy on my first visit to Africa, and overjoyed with the aspect of seeing the lads hungry to learn more about ball passing and reception skills,” Taylor said.

Taylor stated this on Saturday at Aches Gardens in Kisasi where he was imparting soccer skills to Excel Soccer Academy players alongside fellow coach Sam White.

The two coaches are in Uganda on a four-day coaching trip to work with players looking to make it as professionals.

“It takes a lot of sacrifices for one to make it as a professional so the earlier to impart this quality into the athletes while still at the academy level, the better,” the former Portland Timber defender added.

During the session, the players were put to the test after a seven-aside match.

Taylor also commended the parents who enrolled their children in the academy to support their children's dreams.

“It takes a lot of sacrifice for the parents to support the dreams of their children by providing them with an avenue to develop their talent as well as spending time at the grounds watching them play,” Taylor said.

Excel Soccer Adamy director Patrick Gwayyambadde believes working with former elite footballers will enable his students to have a sense of direction.

“We are looking forward to formalizing our working relationship with more elite athletes and Taylor’s coming won't be taken for granted.”

Taylor and white came to the academy after Celtic FC coaches Mark Meghan, and David Clements coaches in contact with the academy.

Taylor and White also skilled the academy coaches with relevant knowledge in regards to training academy players football at various under-age categories.