A FOOTBALL Institute, thought to be the first of its kind in Europe, is to open in Timperley.

The Institute to assist the development of grass roots football in China is based at Manor Farm, and opens its doors to its first footballers in January.

It will be operated by UK Company FDCD Ltd which is an Anglo/Sino-owned business set up to assist the long term development of Chinese football, particularly at grass roots level.

The English partners in the business are Steve Bellis and Steve Cartwright who have spent more than ten years assisting with football development in emerging markets through their company Kickworldwide.

The duo have collectively made more than 130 visits to China and are therefore well placed to oversee the development of the Institute at the 22-acre site in Trafford.

The Institute will welcome its first intake of students in January with a series of winter camps for young Chinese footballers. FDCD is also working with the Cheshire Football Association to deliver FA coaching qualifications to aspiring Chinese coaches.

Later in the year, the first players will arrive for the FDCD Academy for a two-year programme which aims to produce young professionals for the Chinese football industry both on and off the field.

The Institute is expected to bring a significant economic boost to the area with local businesses set to benefit from the hundreds of international students and visitors to the site.

There will also be a range of courses delivered to youngsters in the local community with a particular focus on the NEET’S (Young people not currently in education, employment or training).

FDCD Director Steve Bellis said: “While international football academies are by no means a new idea, the FDCD academy focusses solely on China and places the emphasis on education.

"With our partners at Loughborough College we aim to equip hundreds of young Chinese people with the necessary skills and qualifications to strengthen the Chinese football industry.

“We will also be providing a range of courses and initiatives to the local community around Manor Farm with a particular focus on the young people of the Broomwood estate close to the site.”

A launch event took place at Manor Farm on Tuesday.