by Gemma Jaleel
Nov 23 2011
NEW Turkish reality show Soccer Prince will see one lucky football star in the making train under the guidance of Liverpool FC.
Soccer Prince aims to unearth football’s next biggest star in emerging football markets around the world.
The Reds are now the only Barclays Premier League team to exclusively support the initiative and are offering a one-year development programme under their guidance to the winner.
Ian Ayre, managing director of Liverpool FC, said: “What we are providing is that once-in-a-lifetime chance to play for Liverpool.
“People love us because of football and it lets people in other countries see the power of Liverpool Football Club.
“The key for us is that it is all over different parts of the world and gives thousands of kids a chance.”
Having previously been held in China and Vietnam the next Soccer Prince show to be produced takes place in Turkey.
The first live show was televised in Turkey on the national broadcast channel TRT last Saturday night with a special appearance from Anfield legend and Istanbul Champions League Final hero, Dietmar Hamann.
From thousands of hopefuls aged between 14 and 16 Soccer Prince will host auditions in 15 cities across Turkey.
Then 80 boys will be selected to progress from the audition stage where they will take part in five-a-side tournaments and try to further impress the judging panel to try and win one of 24 places in the live elimination shows which will start in March.
From there the contestants will face the voting of both the judges and viewers over several weeks until five are left in the competition to contest a two-show finale in May.
The winner will travel to Liverpool for their one-year development programme which also includes English education and the skills necessary to become a professional footballer both on and off the pitch.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2011/11/23/liverpool-fc-sign-up-to-train-turkish-soccer-prince-tv-reality-winner-100252-29824818/
