The annual World Skills Final proved another storming success as 38 kids aged 6-16 from 14 countries around the world competed for the top honour in Manchester.

Each Manchester United Soccer Schools course measures players on key skills and techniques from ball control to passing accuracy, awarding points in six disciplines. The highest points scorers are then invited to The Cliff training ground to compete in the World Skills Final to determine the overall winner.

The 38 players were greeted by Reds legends Bryan Robson and Brian McClair and got to play on the Old Trafford pitch, where Sir Bobby Charlton presented trophies to the winners at half-time during the Premier League match against Hull City.

Valentino, aged 11, from Switzerland claimed the top prize, including an international trip, which in previous years has taken in visits to Barcelona and Juventus.

Zurich-born Valentino, who plays for FC Basel's Academy, described it as "emotional” playing at Old Trafford. “I want to progress up through the age groups at my club but would love one day to play for United,” he said. “It was great to be selected from 20,000 players and to eventually win the competition."

Robin van der Laan, international head coach at Manchester United Soccer Schools, said: "I was very I impressed with Valentino's skills. He was especially good at the lofted pass section, where he hit the top score with both feet."

John, 10, from Norway came second in the competition, earning a place on a Soccer Schools residential course, while 11-year-old Josh from South Shields came third and wins a signed United shirt.

Each of the 38 participants with a medal, and afterwards United’s Academy Director Brian McClair told the children: "You're all winners, you should be very proud of what you have achieved. I hope the memory of this fantastic day stays with you for a long time."


Parent Q&A: Life lessons

We caught up with Kerry Graham, mum to 11-year-old Pearce from Newcastle, who made it to the World Skills Final. The visit to Manchester for the World Skills Final was a great day out for her son...

What did you make to the day overall?
It was fantastic. It's an opportunity of a lifetime for the children. It's a dream for them. No matter what they do in the future, or if they become footballers, they can always look back fondly on this experience. It's a memory that they're going to treasure. Pearce was here with his friend, Josh, who finished third overall. So it was a great day for them both.

Pearce must have been looking forward to playing on the pitch...
He's lucky because he's been on the pitch before. He did a skills demonstration, so he's experienced! How many kids get to play at Old Trafford once, never mind twice? So, he was very excited.

What have you made to the Soccer Schools courses overall?
Pearce goes to Newcastle development centre, but Manchester United's coaches are much better at promoting the skills side of the game. It's less about size and physical attributes, it's about teaching yourself to develop your skills, in a group or on your own. Most importantly, it's about enjoying your football.

So, what effect did the courses have on Pearce?
Pearce came away from his Soccer Schools course really motivated. He said, 'Mum, everything I believe in, Soccer Schools promotes'. It's about practicing and being dedicated to improving your skills. I like that the coaches had exactly the attitude you hope they'd have. Everything is positive. And it doesn't matter where the kids are from in the world, they all have so much fun. Pearce came away with friends who couldn't even speak the same language as him! That was amazing.

The skills and technical coaching is clearly important, but is the promotion of discipline and a positive attitude equally important to you as a parent?
Pearce came away determined to keep practicing what he was taught. Even if it's only for half an hour, he tries to do something every day. You don't improve unless you practice. For me that's great. Kids are happy play on the computer, but Soccer Schools and the skills programme gives them the motivation to do something. Even if they don't become footballers, it promotes a healthy lifestyle, exercise, a good diet and a good attitude. In the long run, they're things you remember all your life.