Cathay Pacific sponsors Manchester United Soccer Schools Return to Hong Kong

After the success of last year’s inaugural programme in Hong Kong, Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS), sponsors and official airline Cathay Pacific have confirmed that MUSS is returning to Hong Kong.

Charlie Stewart-Cox, General Manager Marketing, Cathay Pacific Airways said, “Cathay Pacific is delighted to continue the sponsorship of MUSS for a second year as part of our commitment to bringing top quality programmes and events to Hong Kong. As part of our sponsorship we will be offering 30 scholarships to the local community for young soccer fans to also benefit from the coaches of the world’s biggest football club”

From October 2005 through to March 2006, MUSS will provide the opportunity for aspiring young soccer players in Hong Kong to work with coaches from one of the world’s biggest football clubs, Manchester United (Man U).

The Hong Kong Football Club (HKFC), will once again be the venue for the 20-week programme featuring boys and girls between the ages of 8-15. The coaching staff will be headed by former Man U and England full back Mick Duxbury together with MUSS coach Mick Wild from the UK and selected local Hong Kong coaches.

The MUSS coaching programme includes both the basic and advanced skills that a youngster would learn if attending the Manchester United Youth Academy. More than 500 children in Hong Kong are expected to benefit from this coaching over the 6 month period.

Commenting on the return to Hong Kong, MUSS head coach John Shiels said, “We are continuing our special relationship with our partners Cathay Pacific and the Hong Kong Football Club to build upon the success of last year and to once again offer the unique skills and technique programme that has been developed at Manchester United”. He went on to say, “Hong Kong is a perfect venue for MUSS and the facilities at HKFC are outstanding. We are delighted with the response from the participants last year and look forward to welcoming both new and old faces to this year’s program”

Eric Cantona echoed these thoughts saying “it is important to have a dream and it is fantastic to see the young players here in Hong Kong having the passion for the game we love so much”

The venue at the HKFC will be fully equipped with MUSS coaching equipment to aid learning and improve the various skills learnt during the programme. As well as receiving expert coaching, participants will each have their progress regularly monitored by specially adapted skills tests. At the end of each course, each participant will receive a certificate and a personalised coaching assessment. The return of MUSS to Hong Kong, offers the participants from the 2004 programme the chance to carry on where they left off from last year while at the same time welcoming children new to the MUSS coaching system. The programme is directed towards improving fundamental football skills with much emphasis based on personal achievement and enjoyment.

Manchester United Manager, Sir Alex Ferguson states, “Here at Manchester United we place great emphasis on our youth players. Through our soccer schools we can take our philosophy on developing young players around the world. We are aware that we enjoy huge support in Hong Kong and due to the success of last year’s programme, it is our pleasure to be returning to Hong Kong to once again help develop Asia’s talent. We believe that the soccer school will provide children –whether fans of Manchester United or not – with the benefit of coaching the Manchester United way”

Application forms for MUSS are now available from: Nike stores, HKFC and are also available online.

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