Former Manchester United star Jesper Olsen, having already launched and run successful grass roots programs for thousands of Australian kids, proudly announces that Australia is the latest addition to world territories hosting the famous Manchester United Soccer Schools in April.

Manchester United have always cultivated the teaching of soccer skills and the development of youth from the famous Busby babes to heroes such as Giggs, Scholes, Rooney and Ronaldo.

Sir Alex Ferguson shares the same ambition, to produce football that is spectacular and technically perfect.

Specifically adapted from the coaching program at Manchester United’s Youth Academy, it will be run entirely by its international coaches from the UK.

The program will run over four consecutive days in week one and week two of the April 2007 school holidays at Kingston Heath Complex and at Football Federation Victoria headquarters.

The focus of the program is purely participation and skills development for boys and girls aged 10 – 16 years.

The ethos of the Manchester United Soccer Schools program is to “Learn to play the United way” and places huge emphasis on their coaching philosophy: “To enjoy playing football in a fun and friendly learning environment”

It gives the lucky participants the opportunity to experience the magic of Manchester United first hand.

Manchester United Soccer Schools in Australia will be headed up by Tony Byrne, one of the MUSS International Directors of Coaching.

It will include four international coaches direct from Manchester and therefore registrations will be limited to only 64 per program. The program is not based on trying to achieve mass numbers, instead it is controlled by its focus on high quality coaching and strict coach to participant ratio of 1:16.

During the program, players will take part in a number of unique skills tests. Designed using the club’s coaches and players, these tests are specifically tailored so all participants regardless of age, can compete on level terms. There are five skill tests:

Dribbling – Ronaldo
Shooting – Rooney
Short Passing – Carrick
Lofted Pass – Ferdinand
Control - Scholes

Participants are not restricted by ability or gender and we are offering a chance in a lifetime prize for one lucky participant and guardian drawn randomly to attend the exclusive Manchester United Soccer Schools five-day Residential Course in the UK.

Message from Sir Alex Ferguson
"It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the first season of Manchester United Soccer Schools’ programs here in Australia. As a club we are always looking at pioneering innovative ways of training and coaching our players and we believe in sharing our vision of youth development with our huge global support.

"Here at Manchester United our dedication to the development of youth football continues to be at the heart of the club’s future.

"From the first team down to the youth teams all the coaches at Manchester United share the same vision: to produce players capable of producing high quality, attacking and exciting football. At Manchester United Soccer Schools the objective is to bring out the best in each individual and to give each player the opportunity to learn to play ‘the United way!’"

"...It is our aim for all young players attending one of our programs to gain success and a sense of achievement regardless of their level of ability...."

"Manchester United Soccer Schools present all individuals with the opportunity to live out their dreams and experience first hand the magic of Manchester United!..."