Instant-Dict have unveiled an innovative scheme to produce competitive young players for the local market. An Instant-Dict Football School for Students will be established later this summer to provide systematic training for youngsters. The club's executive director, Ken Ng, said yesterday they took the idea from European clubs who have their own youth teams. 'We are trying to build up our own youth teams to ensure our supply of local players,' said Ng. 'Our football school has three age groups - 12-14, 14-16 and 16-18. Students with football potential will be trained on a long-term basis by our team manager Billy Kirkwood, coach Koo Luam-khen, assistant coach Chan Fat-chi and the first-team players. 'The students have to pass all their exams at school before they can continue with us. We don't encourage youngsters to play football and forget about their school work. 'Many people don't want their kids to play football because they think it is not a prosperous career. But I hope the concept will change parents' thinking and their kids can enjoy the sport and continue their education.' Ng added the football school 'students' would be provided with equipment, via sponsor adidas. The Dickies, FA Cup champions and the league runners-up, will maintain their reserve team and build up an under-19 youth team. The signing of 1996 Hong Kong Footballer of the Year Ricky Cheng Siu-chung from local champions South China was officially announced yesterday. Cheng, 24, has been reported to be the most expensive local player ever with an annual salary of over $1 million. Martin Hong Po-kui, the Dickies' new convenor, did not deny the report but refused to disclose the price of Cheng. 'Ricky is the kind of players we need. He's hard-working and will be an inspiration for his new teammates. We want to make him a big star like those star players in the 60s and 70s,' said Hong. Instant-Dict also announced yesterday they would be sponsored by computer manufacturer Epson. Meanwhile, South China left the territory yesterday for Guangzhou on a six-day tour without Brazilian defender Aurelio da Silva and veteran centre back Ku Kam-fai. The pair are nursing injuries with Ku still needing medical attention for a pulled thigh sustained during South China's FA Cup semi-final loss to Sing Tao in May. Aurelio is still recovering from a knee operation. Aurelio had surgery on his knee in Brazil and South China officials are confident that last year's Foreign Player of the Year will make a full recovery before the season starts in September.