Soccer Prince arrives at Academy
Emin Altunay arrived at the Liverpool Academy in Kirkby last week determined to take full advantage of a 'dream come true' after he beat competition from thousands of young footballers to become Turkey's first Soccer Prince.
His prize for winning the hit reality TV show is a 12-month development programme in the UK under the guidance and direction of LFC and the aim is simple; to develop Emin to the highest level that he can achieve.
The Turkish show was an epic 51-episode series covering 15 cities the length and breadth of the country, culminating in the final in Istanbul at the end of May 2012.
Liverpool, of course, are no strangers to the Turkish capital and courtesy of the Soccer Prince show, the Reds' brand has now reached some of the most remote parts of the country.
Emin, from a small town called Hatay in Southern Turkey, close to the Syrian border, explained he felt after winning the competition: "I've been playing football since I was four years old. I've always wanted to play football and I want to thank everyone who has given me this opportunity.
"I am so lucky to be given the chance to be developed by such a famous club and I won't let them down."
Former Reds star Kevin Keegan was in Istanbul to officially crown Emin as the first Turkish Soccer Prince and other legends such as club ambassador Ian Rush, John Barnes, Dean Saunders, Didi Hamann and Gordon Milne also appeared on the show.
Keegan clearly enjoyed his time at the finale in Istanbul saying: "What this show has done for so many young people in Turkey is incredible.
"It has got young people playing the game and has changed the lives of these finalists who will never forget their experience. It was a pleasure to be involved."
Liverpool and Kickworldwide are currently working on numerous forthcoming Soccer Prince shows around the globe including India, China and Brazil.