South coast football stars of the future are set to benefit from a link-up between the FA and McDonald's that aims to create 8,000 new coaches in the next four years.
The scheme, which is designed to 'coach the coaches', is being backed by World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst and Eric Harrison, the Manchester United youth team coach who brought through the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes.
Rather than Harrison or Hurst doing one-off training sessions with aspiring footballers, the idea is to create qualified coaches who can then use their skills in their own communities.
Hurst, who is McDonald's director of football, said: "By coaching the coaches we can leave behind a legacy for the kids.
"Through Ron Greenwood at West Ham, I have seen at first hand the value of good coaching. He turned me from a failed midfielder to playing at the top level.
"It is so important to leave this legacy so there are people who can coach kids and get them interested in sport in their own community.
"There are many kind volunteers, but that is not enough - they need to be qualified and this scheme will provide 8,000 coaches.
"There is also a much wider impact that this will have, in my opinion.
"It shows that if the government invests in sport then it gives kids a way to channel their energy and that leads to a healthy lifestyle.
"Sport is not the most important thing in life, but those who play sport are often much happier in their lives."
The new coaches, of which 4,000 will be McDonald's staff, will be awarded the FA Club Coach badge and will be placed directly into the community to work with clubs, teams, schools, FA Charter Standard Clubs, youth groups and special needs programmes.
Each coach will also be required to make a specific time commitment on an annual basis.
Harrison, McDonald's national football coach, added: "Having worked in youth football, and with Manchester United for 21 years, I realise more than most the need for qualified coaches to help kids along.
"It is great the FA and McDonald's are going to provide 8,000.
"I have worked with some top class players but it doesn't bother me working with kids because their dream is to be like Beckham, Scholes or Giggs and hopefully this will get them into competitive sport and keep them off the streets."
McDonald's are also providing a bonus for Wednesday night's St Mary's international - for every goal scored by England the restaurant chain will donate 500 footballs to Southampton primary schools. In the event of a 0-0 draw, they will provide a minimum of 500.
Their director of community affairs, Stephen Hall, said: "McDonald's has been a major supporter of the domestic game for seven years. Our emphasis has now shifted to focus more on the work we have already started at the grassroots and community level.
"Raising coaching standards throughout England at the grassroots level will increase standards, enjoyment levels and keep young people in football."
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