Essipong, (W/R) Aug. 9, GNA - The United Soccer Training Academy based in Pennsylvania in the United States of America is to establish a branch in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

Mr Robert Zanicky, a Director of the Academy in-charge of Football Operations, announced this at a press conference at Essipong near Takoradi on Monday.

He said Coach Isaac Paha would be the director of United Soccer Training Academy, Ghana, which presently has about 50 promising young Ghanaian footballers under its tutelage.

Mr Zanicky said a 20-acre plot of land has been acquired to construct residential facilities for the establishment of the Academy.

The Director said the Academy is temporarily using facilities at the Sekondi Sports Stadium until its own facilities are completed in about two years' time.

Mr Zanicky said the Academy would identify and admit 50 to 200 students between the ages of 7-12 from deprived backgrounds and give them free academic education and professional football training.

"All needs of the students would be taken care of by the Academy and the students would be expected to achieve high academic standards", Mr. Zanicky said.

He however warned that students would be expelled from the Academy if they record poor academic performance and indiscipline.