Liverpool today announced they are backing the 2011 Soccer Prince - the X-Factor-style television program which aims to unearth football's next biggest star.
The Reds are the only Barclays Premier League team to support the initiative and are offering a one-year development program under their guidance to the winner.
Having previously been held in China and Vietnam, this year's competition will take place in Turkey and the first live show will be televised in the country on Saturday night with a special appearance from Anfield legend and Istanbul hero Dietmar Hamann.
From thousands of hopefuls aged between 14 and 16, Soccer Prince hosts auditions in 14 cities across the country.
80 boys will be selected to progress from the audition stage where they will take part in five-a-side tournaments and try to further impress the judging panel to try and win one of 24 places in the live shows, which will start in March.
From there, the contestants will face the voting of both the judges and viewers over several weeks until five are left in the competition to contest a two-show finale in May.
The winner will travel to the UK and spend one year being developed under the guidance of Liverpool. This one-year development program includes English education, tourism opportunities and all costs are covered by the show.
"What we are providing here is that once in a lifetime chance to play for Liverpool," said Managing Director Ian Ayre. "People love us because of football and it lets people in other countries see the power of Liverpool Football Club. The key for us is that it's all over different parts of the world and giving different kids a chance."
Steve Cartwright of organizers Kickworldwide said: "Soccer Prince will prove to be a massive hit in Turkey, and we are all very excited to be working alongside Liverpool FC again as we take this successful reality format into emerging markets across the world.
Our collaboration with Liverpool FC, steeped in history and tradition, will ensure that the prize winners will be immersed in the true ethos of English football."
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