AC Milan eye youth base in Singapore...

SINGAPORE : With seven European Cups in the trophy cabinet and 18 international club titles in all, AC Milan are one of the biggest names in football.

In their 109—year history, the Italian giants have also produced some of football’s biggest superstars, including Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini.

Now, the 17—time Serie A champions are believed to be keen on establishing a foothold in Singapore.

TODAY has learnt that Milan plan to set up a football school in Singapore. According to sources, the project — to be called AC Milan Junior Camp — will be for youngsters aged between six and 18. The camp will provide the highest quality of football coaching by the club.

One of the parties involved is believed to be a local hotel group and negotiations are currently ongoing.

When ready, it would be the first football camp in South—east Asia established by the Italian giants, and one of two in Asia, after the one in Japan. The club also have an official football camp in the United States, and all are designed to enable youngsters youths to pick up football skills and foster new friendships.

According to sources, a delegation from Milan could be in Singapore as early as next week to explore possible sites for the camp and also to meet local officials. The Rossoneri could well have the Champions League trophy in tow for the three—day visit, tentatively scheduled from April 14—16.

Milan are the outgoing holders of the trophy, having beaten Liverpool 2—1 in last year’s final in Athens. Last month, they were eliminated at the first knock—out stage of this season’s competition by Arsenal and the club, currently coached by Carlo Ancelotti, are lying in fifth spot in Serie A, 20 points behind city rivals Inter Milan

Just wondering ... is this really some opportunity for youths to make it big ???

Nah ... not unless the government changes its mindset of how important qualifications have to be ....