FERGIE GETS BACK TO BASICS

Last updated : 25 February 2003 By editor

The Old Trafford club is helping sharpen a team of young hopefuls to represent the UK in the first Street Soccer World Cup for the homeless this summer.

It was a smiling Fergie who chatted to the youngsters at the club's Carrington training ground, before giving them the benefit of his words of wisdom and then demonstrating just how it should be done.

Sir Alex even posed for team pictures with the squad, who were taking part in the first of a series of coaching sessions at the ground to gear up for the unique competition, which is taking place in Austria in July.

Manchester United's Football in the Community coaches have already held a number of selection sessions to produce a core squad from the 80 homeless players who were eager to sign up.

Big Issue Executive director Richard Brown said:
"Meeting Sir Alex was a great morale boost for the squad, and is a promising start to their training.This event is an amazing opportunity for homeless people from across the UK to work as part of a team and travel to Austria for this event."

Sir Alex said:
"This is a fantastic opportunity and a real inspiration for those taking part. Not only is it an opportunity to improve their health and fitness, but also to be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience."