Alan Shearer put on another great performance at the ContinentalTyresSoccerAcademy at NorthumberlandUniversity on Bank Holiday Monday, to the delight of 90 young footballers and their 250 friends and family who attended the day

Continental Brand Ambassador, Shearer was a massive hit with children and parents alike as he moved among the groups giving encouragement and passing on tips, as well as signing everything from shirts to boots, and posing for photos.

The lucky young pupils who had secured their places  at the  academyeither by winning one of the national and regional competitions or through various trade promotions, were divided into age groups, each being put through their paces by  professional FA coaches.

Alan held a question and answer session with each group answering questions as diverse as “Who is the best manager Robson or Souness?” and “What’s it like to be able to be able to buy anything you want?”

The event took place on the same day that Michael Owen signed for Newcastle United, Alan welcoming the new Magpies star to Newcastle FC   after he had finished at the SoccerSchool. Indeed he was even pictured in the national press the next day in the very track suit in which he had left the training ground.

During the day, Alan also took part in a live interview on BBC Radio One’s ‘Chappers and Dave Show.’ Along with talking about the day itself and Continental’s World Cup Sponsorship he also gave his views on Newcastle’s current form and his predictions for the season ahead.

The interview was a follow up to the Radio One Chris Moyles Show earlier in the year, as part of  ‘Comic Relief, when four lucky listeners had won places at the Academy.’ The winners were coached by Shearer in a special Penalty Masterclass against a goalkeeper from the Newcastle squad.

Alan Shearer, Continental Brand Ambassador said “Everybody really had a great day. It was brilliant to meet with kids who love football as much as I do and hopefully pass on a couple of tips. It’s great to be working with World Cup Partner Continental and it was clear from everyone who came along that next Summer’s tournament can’t come quick enough!”

Guy Frobisher, Marketing Director at Continental said “The day was a huge success. We are really excited to have Alan on board with Continental, especially in the run up to Germany 2006.”

Not only did the day’s attendees go home with a whole load of new football skills to impress their friends with, but each was also presented with a Continental FIFA World Cup™ rucksack, various other goodies and a signed photograph of Shearer to remind them of the day.Their parents were equally delighted, most of them certain about which brand of tyres they would buy in the future!