By Leonard Lim

HAVE your ever wanted to be schooled in the same football philosophy that nurtured David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Bryan Robson?

Fret not. Singapore youngsters aged between eight and 16 will soon get that chance.

Reigning European and English champions Manchester United will hold a football course at Tampines Safra for 128 boys and girls from Dec 9-13.

Though promising talents will not be scouted for the Premier League club's youth teams, two players will be selected to fly to Manchester for a residential one-week skills course with 200 others from around the world.

Said Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) general manager Emma Savage yesterday: 'We've delivered such courses to thousands of kids in countries like Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia and China.

'We enjoy a huge following in Singapore, so this is a chance for our fans to interact with the club and its philosophy.'

The MUSS curriculum is centrally managed to ensure consistency, and devised in conjunction with coaching staff from the Red Devils' coaching academy.

'This also ensures we combine the latest coaching techniques with the values and beliefs that are key to Man U from the time of the Busby Babes,' said Savage.

The 15-hour programme, which will cost $525 and include meals and a soccer kit, will focus on technical fundamentals like dribbling and shooting.

It will also teach youngsters how to dominate in a one-on-one situation.

Dutchman Robin van der Laan will head the four-member coaching panel, with former Singapore captain Aide Iskandar roped in as the local partner.

Participants may also have the chance to meet the club's legends. Last year, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer attended schools in Dubai and Hong Kong.

More such courses are in the offing.

Said Savage: 'We don't see the upcoming project as a one-off. We want to gauge the level of interest and culture locally, and then tailor something for the long-term.'

Aide, who captained the Lions to victory in the 2005 and 2007 Asean Football Federation Championship and retired last November, said being involved in the course gave him the chance to give back to the community.

He said: 'I've been supporting Man U since I was a kid, so this is like a dream come true too.'

For more information, visit www.muss.sg

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 28 Nov, 2008.