Local hero Wayne Bridge came right through the ranks to win the Echo Saints Player of the Year award - now the hunt is on for youngsters to follow in his footsteps.

The Echo is teaming up with the Saints to launch a special Search for a Star campaign.

The club will be holding a series of trials at the start of the coming season and everyone who fills in the Echo coupon - on page 43 today) will be guaranteed a place.

They are looking for youngsters for age brackets Under 7, Under 8 and Under 9 as at August 31 of this year.

The only criteria is that applicants must live within one hour's travelling distance of Southampton in order to meet Academy regulations.

The Under 7s and 8s will be trying for a place at Saints' development centres with former Southampton stars Steve Baker and Dave Puckett.

The Under 9 group will be bidding for acceptance to the Saints Academy or development centres at Wellington Sports Ground or Hamble where the emphasis is firmly on technique and encouraging skills.

Crucially the selected boys will be able to continue playing for their junior clubs while they are at the development centres which will be feeders into the Saints Academy.

The trials are being set up by Saints' head of recruitment Malcolm Elias who is determined to catch the most talented local youngsters at an early age when they are most receptive to skills tuition.

He said: "We are delighted to be teaming up with the Echo to set up these trials and all youngsters who apply via the coupon will be guaranteed a trial with the Saints.

"Those offered a place at the centres will be able to train with Saints while still playing for their junior clubs.

"The emphasis on the Echo-backed Development Centres will be on enjoyment and improvement with winning and losing not an issue."

The coaching at the development centres will be free of charge as will the trials as the Echo and Saints search for the next Alan Shearer or Matthew Le Tissier to come through the ranks.

To claim your free trial with Saints all you have to do is get your parents to fill in and sign the coupon on page 43 and return it to Malcolm Elias at The Dell, Milton Road, Southampton SO15 2XH by Monday, August 13.

Any queries should be addressed to Malcolm Elias on 023 8063 0819.

* Although this scheme is for boys only, there are opportunities for girls to progress through the ranks to Southampton Saints WFC via a series of coaching courses and taster days this summer. Contact Sue Lopez on 0870 2200 170 for details.