A group of young Korean footballers got to experience playing the Manchester United way this month during a two-week residential f…

A group of young Korean footballers got to experience playing the Manchester United way this month during a two-week residential football and english language Soccer Schools course.

The group of 28 youngsters from Ji-sung Park’s Suwon-based JSFC were in Manchester for a trip, partly organized by the winger himself, with the dual aim of improving both their football skills and grasp of the English language.

The children, all aged 10 to 12 years, got to train at Carrington every morning with the club's Soccer Schools coaches, learning to play 'the United way', before spending the afternoon learning English.

During their stay the visitors played friendly matches against Stockport County and Oldham Athletic, and got to attend United’s home game against Bolton Wanderers (and celebrate a 3-0 win).

As if that wasn’t enough to excite the visiting youngsters, they also got to meet their hero and mentor Ji-sung Park, plus his team mates Ryan Giggs and Nani.

After the United first team stars signed autographs and answered questions from the children, Park said: "I’m very proud. I just hope they’ve enjoyed the experience and remember it forever. They love playing football and it’s great for them to come to here, see the players and train with the coaching staff.

"I saw that they were all smiling, which makes me happy. Maybe one of them will play for United in the future! They just have to keep working hard and enjoying the game."

But it's not all about the football, with English lessons at Trafford College, a stone's throw away from Old Trafford, also on the agenda.

Park said: "It gives them more opportunities to be able to speak English – whether in football or business. They can communicate around the world and that’ll be a big advantage."

Ji’s vision is to improve the standard of football in his homeland and his academy, the coaching arm of his wider JS Foundation, was opened in 2009 and comprises around 900 'elite' and 'recreational' players, a mixture of whom made the trip to the UK.

This trip to Manchester United Soccer Schools is seen as a great way to further their education both on and off the pitch, combining the following of the fantastic MUSS coaching model with language tuition.

"It’s good to learn the United way because throughout the club’s history, many youngsters have come through the ranks to become great players,” says Park.
"Coaching is a bit different in Korea, so we try to mix up the styles and hopefully one day they’ll be superstars in their country!"

Manchester United Soccer Schools have vast experience in coaching not only on the Reds’ doorstep but all across the world – and it seems that expertise made for a memorable trip for those involved.

Excited JSFC youngster Reo Hyun Woo (12) said: "It's brilliant and I’d love to meet the players again! "I'm learning a lot on the trip, mainly football techniques but also communicating with my friends, and I'm really enjoying the English lessons."

Youngsters play the United way like Park

24TH JAN 2012

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