World Skills Final

Ever wanted to play at Old Trafford?

Compete in one of the skills challenges and you could be walking out in front of 76,000 fans.

On Manchester United Soccer Schools Residential Courses you will take part in a number of unique skills challenges. Designed using the club’s coaches and players, these challenges are specifically tailored so all participants, regardless of age, can compete on level terms.

One player from each Residential course will be selected to experience a once in a lifetime prize at the World Skills Final held in Manchester. This event includes the following:

• Tour of the Trafford Training Centre, Carrington
• Participate in the World Skills competition
• Play on the famous Old Trafford pitch
• Attend a Premier League game
• Watch Manchester United Academy games

The challenges are also a great way to improve your skills. If you can practice these techniques in your spare time you will give yourself a great chance of developing into a better player.

Set Up

Each player has four balls placed on the start line. Each ball should be passed in to the target zone through the air, scoring the points it lands on the first bounce. The ball must be moved forward past the mannequin, and struck before it crosses the end line.

Aim

The aim of the test is to score as many points as possible by passing the ball through the air to land on the mannequin in the centre of the target zone. Each player has four balls to pass in a time limit of 25 seconds. One ball can be played with the weak foot, which will score double points. Players do not have to use their weak foot but if they do they must indicate they are using their weak foot.

Set Up

Two cones should be placed inside the goal as shown, 2 metres from each post. Place two mannequins as defenders, the distance from the goal line relative to their age (see table below). Mark out the start line 2m further away from the goal and place four balls along the start line.

Aim

Each player must dribble the ball outside the mannequins, and strike across goal to the far post scoring zone. There are two shots for the right foot and two shots for the left foot. 50 points are scored for each successful shot completed in the 20 second time limit. Every finish should be struck firmly using the lace of the boot.

Set Up

From the start line mark out 2m, then mark out 2m to either side. Place a mannequin at this point. Repeat this process for mannequins 3 & 4.

Mark the next mannequin from the age specific distance and step out 2m so that the player has to make a diagonal run with the ball. Set up the remaining 3 mannequins as previously and a turn line 2m after the last mannequin. On turning the player goes back through the mannequins in the same way.

Each player has 30 seconds to complete the challenge. The player scores 20 points for every mannequin they go past.

Aim

The aim of the test is to score as many points as possible by dribbling around as many mannequins as you can in 30 seconds. Each player scores 20 points fir every mannequin they go past.

Set Up

Equipment — 4 balls, 4 passing gates, cones. Mark out a square relevant to each age group. Use 4 disc cones to mark out each corner. In the middle of each side of the square place a passing gate. Place one ball by each corner.

Mark out a 3m square in the middle.

Each player has 30 seconds to start from cone 1, take the ball into the centre square, turn and pass the ball through the corresponding gate. This is then repeated with balls 2, 3 and 4.

The challenge finishes when the player runs back to complete the course past cone 1, or 30 seconds has elapsed.

The player scores 50 points for every successful pass through the passing gates. If the player scores 4 successful passes and finishes within 30 seconds of each other they will score 10 extra points for each second they are below this time.

Bonus points are only awarded to players who score in all 4 gates.