MUPC2010 Opening Ceremony

TWENTY of the best under-15 teams in the world gathered at the Opening Ceremony & Draw for the World Finals of the Manchester United Premier Cup at Manchester United's Carrington training complex this evening. The group and knockout stages of the tournament take place from 4-6 August at Carrington whilst the grand finale will be played out at Old Trafford's "Theatre of Dreams" on Saturday 7 August at 12:30; following the unveiling of United's new first team line-up in Open Training.

Host Steve Bower welcomed the assembled teams to the 17^th edition of the tournament founded by Nike and the 8^th year since Manchester United added their name to the event in which more than 1.1 million youngsters have shared the passion - and the joy of football!

Rousing applause greeted Manchester United Team Captain Gary Neville - who invited the twenty team captains from around the world onto the stage before Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton officiated at the all-important Draw

Gary Neville admitted to the assembled youngsters, "I'm so jealous, I wish I could go back and enjoy the experience of tournaments with Manchester United at your age all over again. You are incredibly lucky to have this opportunity but these moments don't last. Make sure you go out, do your absolute best and enjoy your football. But above all, make sure you will never have any regrets. This is a really great opportunity for you - don't ever put yourselves in the position where you look back and wish you had done more."

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton also had some sound advice: "To become a successful footballer the first thing you need to do is listen. Listen to your parents and to your Coaches; then work hard, respect the referees and your opponents and enjoy every single minute of your football. Work hard on improving your general technique and your ability to control the ball. Practise as much as you can - I guarantee the harder you practise - the better footballer you will become!"

Sir Alex Ferguson agreed, "Listen to your coaches - they want you to be the best you can be. You are all talented but there is something that separates the youngsters who succeed from those who don't make it - a winning mentality. They have the ability to listen and learn from their Coaches then focus and develop that mental strength to play - and win - the right way. "

Both Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson then performed the Draw to determine the group stages.

Group A           Newcastle United; Paris Saint-Germain; Torino FC; Pachuca & Shillong Lajong.

Group B           Right to Dream Academy; Werder Bremen; Bucaspor; Colo Colo & Changchun Yatai.

Group C           Manchester United; FC Barcelona; Alta Loma Arsenal; Sutherland Sharks & MSS Kedah.

Group D           Orlando Pirates; Internacional; FC Porto; Kyoto Sanga & Ulsan Hyundai.

In conclusion, the most successful Manager in the history of British football finally wished all the young teams the very best of luck. "I hope you all have a good tournament, play attractive football and - just one last very important piece of advice - believe in yourselves."

And so the dream continues for just a few days more - twenty young teams about to start the battle for the ultimate prize, and become the Manchester United Premier Cup Champions of the World...