Man United launches SAR school
The first Manchester United Soccer Schools in Asia has been brought to Hong Kong to help the development of local soccer.
More than 1,000 youngsters, aged from eight to 15, will take part in the five-month course.
Under the programme, players will get 75 to 90 minutes of training once a week at the Hong Kong Football Club in Happy Valley or the Community Sports Club in Sheung Shui from October.
A scholarship has also been set up by Cathay Pacific Airways to help talented players enrol in the course, which cost $4,500 or $5,400.
The schools' head of operations and logistics, Gavin Rhodes, has flown to the territory to launch the training programme.
He thinks the programme will benefit children in Hong Kong by providing them with technical knowledge about the sport and advancing their skill levels.
'It's all about providing the kids with confidence. Once they have confidence, they'll improve,' he said.
Three coaches from the schools will conduct the lessons.
Young player Sophie Foxall, from Chinese International School, said she would try to join the programme after receiving a brief coaching session from Rhodes.
'It's really good. Compared to what we do here, it's much more effective,' said the school team member, who is also a big fan of the England football club.
Aspiring to be a professional player, Sophie said she hoped her skills could continue to progress after the programme ends.
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