Hello and welcome to our soccer news area. Our aim is to keep the news here as up to date as possible, if you’ve heard any footie news or gossip we haven’t covered – let us know so we can investigate!

The Umbro women's Tournament 29/12/2006 The Umbro women's Tournament is now firmly established as the number one women's soccer tournament in Britain and check out our new dedicated website: www.womenssoccertournaments.com

Congratulations 29/12/2006 Congratulation to the following boys who have been selected to train with Luton Town Football Club centre of exellence. Connor Delaney Nick Ciliberti Santino Ciliberti Jack Crow Kyle Stimpson Keaton Washington Kye Andrews

All for OneCulture 12/09/2006 Scouts from across the country are gearing up for the OneCulture international football festival which takes place later next month in Salford. Teams are being invited from across the UK to show off their skills at The Football Association backed event, which will be held at the Salford Sports Village. The festival, which is in its seventh year, has its roots in the North West and is the biggest of its kind in Europe and aims to break down cultural barriers and prejudices through football with teams from all faiths and backgrounds. Majid Lavji, Founder and Director of OneCulture said: "The Football Academy we have set up proves that sport is a great way to break down cultural barriers. We need to encourage people from all communities to get involved in football on and off the field as players, coaches or administrators. It’s vital that the game reflects a multicultural Britain." "There are several players who have been discovered at the tournament who are now interesting Premiership clubs. This tournament is for everyone and we are also looking to develop the women’s side of the game." For the last seven years the tournament, supported by the Government, has previously been held under the AsiaEurope banner but this year is rebranded as OneCulture to show how it has evolved and to reflect the diversity of those taking part." Brian Barwick, Chief Executive of the Football Association, said: "The FA fully supports the OneCulture festival and recognises the important role it plays in making the sport accessible to everyone. At the FA we strive to ensure that everyone has a chance to be involved in football, regardless of ability, race, religion or gender." The event is backed by a number of Premiership Clubs and Alan Johnson, Everton FC’s Race and Diversity Manager, added: "We have been working with AsiaEurope in recent years and support what it is trying to achieve. There is a huge pool of raw talent waiting to be discovered and it’s only by holding events like OneCulture that clubs can tap into it." This year’s OneCulture is being held on 14 and 15 October at Salford Sports Village. Teams interested in taking part or companies looking to sponsor the tournament should contact organisers on 08702841111 or register online at www.AsiaEurope.com. The deadline for teams - under-eight, under-twelve, under-16, women’s open and men’s open - to register is 26 September.

Arsenal search for 14/07/2006 Arsenal search for a Virtual Soccer Academy star One lucky Arsenal fan is about to live their dream - to be asked to star in an interactive game that’s being custom-made for their club by the makers of Virtual Soccer Academy. By entering a chance of a lifetime competition, supporters could be selected to play the role of the star recruit in the latest PC / DVD game that’s due out later in the year and will give them a behind the scenes look at the Gunners new Emirates Stadium. In Virtual Soccer Academy, the competition winner will make their way to the Chairman’s office to sit down and discuss their contract - just like a football star. Then they take their position in the dressing room before running out of the tunnel. The competition is open to boys and girls between the age of 12 and 16 years of age. Entries can be made by texting VSA4 (including your full name and age in numbers: spaces must be included e.g. VSA4 paulmerson 14) to 63333. Each entry will cost 50p. The competition number will be open for two weeks from Monday 3rd July until Sunday 16th July. The winner will be contacted by phone on Tuesday 18th July and will need to be available on the day of filming, which will take place on one day late July / early August 2006. Virtual Soccer Academy, will be available in two formats, a powerful CD-Rom and an interactive DVD; part pro-football experience, part coaching video, it encourages children of all abilities to train like the stars, improve their football skills and increase their fitness. Virtual Soccer Academy is taking football training to a new level and the interest shown by the top clubs is "overwhelming", according to its producers. Game developer, Peter Fulford, has worked his magic so Virtual Soccer Academy gives every child the 'real deal'. He says: “The product is for any young supporter who loves football and has the desire to pursue a healthy hobby and take hints from the professionals’. Ex Arsenal and England international Paul Merson who will take charge of the Virtual Soccer Academy coaching, comments: "I've played Virtual Soccer Academy at home with my kids and the footage included in the game blew me away. It's excellent for keen youngsters. I can't wait to see what talent Virtual Soccer Academy can uncover: I only wish there had been something around like this when I was a lad!' Copies of the Virtual Soccer Academy will be on sale in September, costs £24.99 and will be available from Arsenal's club shops, Arsenal.com online store and from selected high street stores throughout the UK. The game is suitable for children aged six or over. Terms and conditions apply and are available on www.virtualsocceracademy.co.uk

The MUSS Grand Skills Final 14/07/2006 Ever wanted to play at Old Trafford? Compete in one of the skills tests and you could be walking out in front of 75,000 fans. On every MUSS Coaching Course you will take part in a number of unique skills tests. Designed using the clubs coaches and players, these tests are specifically tailored so all participants, regardless of age, can compete on level terms. One player from each course will be selected to compete in the Grand Skills Final which will be held in Manchester. They will be given the opportunity to win: A trip to a ‘Top International’ Soccer School A one-week visit to the Manchester United Soccer Schools Residential Course Manchester United home shirt signed by 2005/06 1st team squad members

Residential Course 14/07/2006 The Manchester United Residential course gives young players an insight into life as a young professional. JUNIOR SOCCER SCHOOL 6 Day Course 23-28 July, 30 July- 4 August, 13-18 August The MUSS Junior Soccer School for 8-11 year olds has proven to be a great success with the youngsters creating their own buzz and benefiting from playing with players of their own age. We’re now looking forward to another great summer of football. SENIOR SOCCER SCHOOL 6 Day Course 23-28 July, 30 July- 4 August, 6-11 August, 13-18 August The MUSS Senior Soccer School residential programmes will focus on learning the essential techniques and principles in soccer and important life skills as they experience living, training and playing. For ages 12-16. GIRLS ONLY WEEK 6 Day Course 6-11 July Fancy a week away with the girls for a fun action packed football course? Due to popular demand Manchester United Soccer Schools will be holding a “Girls Only” residential week. For 8-16 year olds. GOALKEEPING WEEKS 6 Day Course 16-21 July for 8-15 year olds 13-18 August for 16-18 year olds Behind every great United team there is always a great goalkeeper. Designed and run by Academy goalkeeping coaches this course will enhance and sharpen your goalkeeping skills

Liverpool FC Academy 14/07/2006 Liverpool may have the financial wealth to compete for the best players from around the globe, but their decision to fund and build a multi-million pound Academy five years ago demonstrated their desire to continue to nurture and develop their own young talent. Under the guidance of Academy Director and Liverpool legend Steve Heighway, the Academy is a world-class facility designed to give every young boy on the club's books the best possible chance of following in the footsteps of some of the club's greatest players. Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman and Jamie Carragher all came through the youth ranks of Liverpool FC to prove that locally produced players can develop into world class stars having been groomed by the Reds from an early age. Hopefully there will be many more on the way over the coming years. Frank Skelly, the Academy's Operations Director, takes us on an exclusive tour behind the scenes and explains the facilities on offer to the potential future stars of Liverpool FC.

Player 10/07/2006 There are opportunities for everyone to play the national game, whatever their age, gender, ability, race, culture or background. There are different forms of football from the Small-Sided game, such as Mini Soccer for young children taking their first steps in the game to Futsal and the hugely popular five-a-side, to the more traditional 11-a-side game. However you choose to enjoy playing football, there are 38,000 teams across England providing opportunities in every community. For the most talented players, there is a player pathway in place – a pyramid of participation identifying the key elements needed in foundation, through participation and performance to drive excellence at the top of the pathway. This pathway ensures that talented players are given the very best opportunities and support to reach their full potential, which at the elite end may mean playing top domestic football and even representing England. It’s never too late to start playing football.