Viva Bahrain is launching the second season of the Manchester United Soccer School programme to offer another lifetime opportunity to Bahrain’s young footballers to make their dreams true.

This follows the success of the first season in 2011, a statement from Viva said.

Ulaiyan Al Wetaid, CEO of VIVA Bahrain and Lee Sharpe, Manchester United Legend, announced today that the company is on the hunt for 18 young footballers to train in the UK.

The selected 18 will not only get the opportunity to be coached by world-class, UEFA certified coaches, but will also get the full unique Manchester United experience by living on campus in Myerscough College, UK, with 30 other footballers from UAE and Kuwait as part of the regional initiative by the STC Group involving young football enthusiasts.

“We are delighted to bring back the Viva Manchester United Soccer School Programme and help make the dreams of young Bahraini footballers come true. Our aim is to cultivate the football talent in the kingdom, being the number one sport between all generations,” Al Wetaid said.

“The extraordinary potential and skills we saw in the 33 winners of last year’s Manchester United Soccer School Programme is one of the main reasons we are bringing it back for a second season.”

“It is our mission to make a positive impact in the local community in Bahrain, and through the Manchester United Soccer School Programme we are enabling young football enthusiasts to be trained by world-class coaches and taking them one step closer to achieving their dreams,” he said.

To be one of the 18 winners, young footballers, male and female, between 12 to 15 years of age and a resident of Bahrain must register themselves at the Viva Manchester United Zone at Bahrain City Centre from May 9 to 20, to secure a spot in the auditions.

Registered footballers will receive a registration brochure which will include a form to fill in basic information, football position and parents’ consent. Updated on their designated audition slot will be sent to the eligible footballers in June via a text message on their Viva line.

A total of 120 footballers will be selected by local coaches certified by the Bahrain Football Association in try-outs that will take place at the Association’s training pitches before getting a chance to demonstrate their skills in front of Manchester United Soccer School Coaches who will fly into Bahrain especially to evaluate football skills of the players on June 8 and 9, to select 18 winners.

The finalists will win a week of expert football training sponsored by Viva Bahrain from July 8 to 14, on the Manchester United Soccer School grounds in Myerscough College, UK, using state-of-the art training equipment, and undergoing the true routine of footballers as well as receive training at Carrington where the first team trains. – TradeArabia News Service