Reds search for Soccer Prince
Liverpool FC have announced their involvement with Soccer Prince - the television programme which aims to unearth football's next biggest star in emerging football markets around the world.
The Reds are now the only Barclays Premier League team to exclusively support the initiative and are offering a one-year development programme under their guidance to the winner.
Click below to watch Ian Ayre talking about this new initiative
Having previously been held in China and Vietnam, the next Soccer Prince show to be produced will take place in Turkey. The joint format owners Kickworldwide and Fremantle Media have teamed up with Turkish production company TVK and the first live show will be televised on the national broadcast channel TRT on Saturday night with a special appearance from Anfield legend and a hero from the Istanbul 2005 Champions League Final , Dietmar Hamann.
From thousands of hopefuls aged between 14 and 16, Soccer Prince will host auditions in 15 cities across Turkey.
80 boys will be selected to progress from the audition stage where they will take part in five-a-side tournaments and try to further impress the judging panel to try and win one of 24 places in the live elimination shows, which will start in March.
From there, the contestants will face the voting of both the judges and viewers over several weeks until five are left in the competition to contest a two-show finale in May.
The winner will travel to the UK and spend one year being developed under the guidance of Liverpool FC. This one-year development programme also includes English education and the skills necessary to become a professional footballer both on and off the pitch.
Ian Ayre, Managing Director, Liverpool FC, said: "What we are providing is that once in a lifetime chance to play for Liverpool. People love us because of football and it lets people in other countries see the power of Liverpool Football Club. The key for us is that it is all over different parts of the world and gives thousands of kids a chance."
Steve Bellis of Kickworldwide said: "Soccer Prince is expected to be a massive hit in Turkey, and we are all very excited to be working alongside Liverpool FC again as we take this successful reality format into emerging markets around the world.
"Our collaboration with Liverpool FC, a club steeped in history and tradition, will ensure that the prize winners will be immersed in the true ethos of English football.
As well as providing a life changing opportunity for young footballers, Soccer Prince also plays a key role in popularising the English game globally."