HE'S got Spanish, Greek and English names and Brazilian soccer skills – and they've helped Loreaz Manolias-Addams become a keepy-uppy king.

The eight-year-old footballer, from Stonehouse, has just won an award for juggling a football 500 times using alternative feet.

It's even more amazing when you realise eight months ago Loreaz couldn't do 10.

But after training for up to three hours a day the boy, who plays for Plymouth Argyle's under-nines, has become the first player to achieve the feat at the Torquay branch of the national Brazilian Soccer Schools. He will receive a training DVD and a trophy for his efforts.

“The coach started an incentive scheme to get them to improve,” said Loreaz's step-dad Robert Vaughan.

“At Brazilian Soccer Schools they encourage you to practise and improve yourself – that doesn't really happen at other teams. Loreaz has been practising relentlessly.”

The young striker started slowly. By Christmas he was up to 70 keepy-uppies and just kept improving.

“When we go shopping he takes the ball and juggles,” said Robert.

Loreaz has been going to three two-hour sessions at the Brazilian Soccer Schools branch in Torquay – the nearest branch to Plymouth – since September.

The chain, run by TV football pundit Simon Clifford, teaches South American techniques to British children.

Young players use a Futebol de Salao, which is much heavier and smaller than the size-five balls adults use.

“Loreaz is so good now we let him practise in the lounge, there's no chance of him breaking anything,” said Robert.

Loreaz is half Greek, hence his surname, but his first name is Spanish.

He may be a little young for Euro 2008 but would be eligible to play at Euro 2020 – though not for England.

“He wants to play for Greece,” said Robert. “That's despite their awful showing this year.”

A Brazilian Soccer Schools spokesman said: “We challenged our players to improve their juggling skills and introduced an incentive scheme.

“Loreaz achieved over 500 juggles with alternate laces. He has been training very hard to improve his juggling and set a standard for everyone else to aim towards.”

Can you do keepy-uppies or any other football skills or tricks? Why not send a video of your skills to The Herald website? Send it with the words TH SEND to 65100 or find out more at www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/iherald. If you can do more than 500 keepy-uppies ring our newsdesk on 01752 765529 or email news@theplymouthherald.co.uk.