06 June 2004	Sunday	17 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

KARACHI, June 5: English soccer giants Manchester United have opened their doors for a Pakistani club which will travel to England next month to seek training.

A 14-member under-15 Karachi United youth squad is scheduled to receive training at Manchester United Soccer Schools from July 10 to 18, a club spokesman said on Saturday.

"By sending KU Youth Academy team we will become the first side from Pakistan to visit the premier English club," claimed Karachi United director administration, Taha Alizai.

Residential manager of Manchester United Soccer Schools, Mike Neary, in a communique to the club said: "We are keen to establish good relationship with your team and with the game of football in Pakistan. We have a specially devised team coaching programme at our Residential facility at Denstone College, Staffordshire."

"We hope by learning how to prepare and play the 'Manchester United way', this will help the development of your club and indeed the game as a whole in Pakistan," Manchester United Soccer Schools official said.

Taha said group of youth would play four matches besides receiving training from Manchester United youth coaches. The training programme includes intensive fitness exercises, skills assessment and tactical awareness.

The youngsters will also be involved in video sessions, off the field preparations, and diet programme. The KU youths will also have an opportunity to watch Manchester United's soccer icons like Ruud van Nistelrooy, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo in action during the sessions.

A three-member delegation of KU officials will be accompanying the youths with an idea to seek training and coaching skills. They have planned to conduct free youth coaching clinics in Pakistan on their return from the trip.

KU officials hoped as a result of trip to the United Kingdom, Manchester United would also send coaches and set up coaching clinics in Pakistan to give soccer a boost in the country.