BEMERTON'S Max Donohue followed in the footsteps of England captain David Beckham when he took part in the Manchester United Soccer Schools' Skills Final last month, writes Ryan Lovejoy.

Beckham famously caught the attention of United scouts by winning the Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools' National Skills Final in 1988 and Donohue, who plays attacking midfield for Harlequins' under-10s side, won the local MUSS skills roadshow at Westwood St. Thomas' school.

Just 66 finalists were selected from over 7,500 contestants. The youngsters were treated to a guided tour of Old Trafford where they had the chance to visit the changing rooms, run down the tunnel and hold the Premiership trophy.

Then they were taken to the club's Cliff training ground where skills were overseen by MUSS head of coaching John Shields. The finalists, aged between seven and 13, performed five separate trials including shooting, ground and lofted passing, dribbling and ball juggling.

Chelsea fan Max unfortunately didn't make the top three positions, but his dad Chris told Journal Sport that it was a memorable experience.

"It was a fantastic day which was exceptionally well organised. Max represented himself well and I was very proud of him.

"We were sitting near John Shields on the coach and the game between Chelsea and Man Utd was on the radio. Max cheered when Frank Lampard scored the winner, which drew a few glances!"