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Young footballers put Keane to the test

17/08/2006

A group of students from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) were recently selected to help put former Manchester United captain Roy Keane through his coaching paces.

Twenty boys from MMU's Alsager-based Football Academy, who are currently studying for a BTEC diploma in sport and exercise science, were invited by the Football Association (FA) to attend a special coaching session with Roy, who is currently working towards his UEFA 'A' Licence.

Other famous faces attending the training session included former Newcastle United and England star Peter Beardsley, who is also going for the UEFA qualification, which is needed in order to become a Premiership manager.

John Peacock, FA UEFA 'A' Licence course director, said the MMU footballers had made a great contribution, stating: "Without their enthusiasm and commitment we wouldn't have been able to provide the candidates on the course with a realistic coaching environment in which they could conduct their sessions."

Nigel Deeley, MMU Football Academy's assistant sport development co-ordinator, praised both the performance of his students and the skills of Roy Keane, who he described as shy and unassuming, treating the boys with respect.

The Football Academy, which was formed last year, is designed to help school leavers develop their skills, in order to make a career for themselves and maybe find places with semi-professional clubs.


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