ASPIRING footballers from the region will get the chance to develop their skills at one of the best academy complexes anywhere in the world.

As part of an ongoing agreement between Rydal Penrhos School and Premier League champions Manchester City, a large number of pupils from different year groups will compete at separate tournaments at the Academy site, which cost £200 million to construct and also boasts a 7,000-capacity stadium, education facilities and medical and sports science services.

The 80-acre site was funded by City's owners and built in partnership with Manchester City Council, was conceived following the takeover of the Premier League club by Sheikh Mansour in 2008.

Built on the site of a former chemical works, it includes: 16.5 pitches, including a full-size synthetic indoor pitch; A 56-seat TV auditorium for players to review video clips; Four-star accommodation with king-sized beds and bathrooms; 40,000km of artificial turf on 5.5 pitches, each one different so the team can tailor match preparations for away games.

Year 4 will be the first to visit the site for a special tournament featuring other teams from the North West on September 14, before Year 2 and 3 will make the trip for a Football Festival on September 21.

This will be followed by Year 1 attending another Football Festival at the site, where coaches will put them through their paces to give the youngsters a taste of what top-flight football is like.

Jamie McLeod, head of boys’ games at Rydal Penrhos Prep School, said: “This is something we have done for a number of years now and it really inspires each pupil involved.

“To play at such a grand venue like the Manchester City Academy complex is fantastic for their overall development ahead of what is going to be a very busy winter of competitive action at Rydal Penrhos.”