WORLD class coaches from one of the biggest football clubs in the world have already put local youngsters to the test.

Representatives from Italian giants AC Milan were in Hexham at the weekend to introduce themselves to the community after striking up a major deal to run junior soccer camps in the town.

And as part of the meeting with local parents, coaches and footballers, the experts joined in and ran mini training sessions for Hexham U10 players.

There is huge excitement about the announcement that the Serie A club have chosen Hexham to host a summer training camp at their Dukeshouse facility next August, the deal including many perks.

In addition to expertise training, led by former Italian captain and legendary defender Franco Baresi, for five days, a total number of three youngsters from the camp will be hand picked to play in a tournament at the world famous San Siro.

The plan is to make the partnership a long term one, Milan hoping to extend the ties well beyond the five and 10 year periods originally mooted.

Milan’s UK agent, Carl Dunn, said “We met parents and the feedback was brilliant, and I think everybody from both sides are very interested in taking this forward and building strong links for the long term.

“The event proved to me that Hexham is a fantastic location for the camp, and, to me, it‘s a sleeping giant in terms of sport and football especially.”

Hexham chairman Doug Robson said: “The opportunity to play at the San Siro is unbelievable.

“As a community club, we want to promote the club and the town as much as possible and there are so many great opportunities with being linked to one of the biggest clubs in the world. To be selected is a fantastic honour and privilege.”