Budding footballer Alex Hurst was named Manchester United Soccer Schools’ World Skills Final winner last month, beating off …

Budding footballer Alex Hurst was named Manchester United Soccer Schools’ World Skills Final winner last month, beating off thousands of other youngsters to claim the title.
Alex and his fellow finalists were invited to Manchester United’s elite training complex at Carrington after winning the individual prizes at the club's Soccer Schools across England and abroad, and demonstrated their skills in the hope of becoming this year’s champion.
The standard of this year’s competition was incredibly high, as the 8 to 16-year-olds were tested on various aspects of their technique, with Stoke-on-Trent schoolboy Alex - who won his place in the final at a MUSS residential course at Denstone College in Staffordshire - named the 2011 winner.
A delighted Alex collected his award from Bryan Robson at Old Trafford ahead of the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Norwich City, and said: “I'm very excited. I didn't think I'd win it and become number one out of 10,000 people who entered. I wasn't nervous, I just wanted to enjoy it and do my best - and I did that.”
Ball control was Alex's strongest asset as the youngsters were put through their paces in drills that included lofted passes, short passing, dribbling and finishing. But it was the overall quality on show that most impressed former United midfielder Quinton Fortune.
“I'm trying to remember back when I was that age,” said the South African. “Was I even capable of doing that stuff? It's just amazing. I wanted to show them the step-over but they've already got that!”
All of the finalists enjoyed a skills session on the Theatre of Dreams pitch before the win over Norwich, after having watched the first-team stars train at Carrington on the Friday, ensuring it was a never-to-be-forgotten trip for those involved.
Manchester United Soccer Schools’ courses aim to help youngsters play the Manchester United way, and first-team coach Rene Meulensteen explained the philosophy behind the programme, which was enjoyed by the children and parents alike.
“A very important part of the club is getting kids involved in the Manchester United experience and engaging them,” he stressed. “Really, the level is that good because they're doing sensible and good things instead of mere enjoyment. The ones who have good ability will take something away from it.”

Youngster claims top Soccer Schools’ honour

31ST OCT 2011

Share

LATEST NEWS

ARCHIVE