FROM grassroots football with Hexham to the Champions League with AC Milan.

This far flung notion could become a reality for local youngsters as an exciting partnership between the Italian giants and the small Tyne Valley club has been struck.

It was confirmed this week that Hexham will become an official Milan soccer camp from next year, the professional club, under the watchful eye of legendary Italian defender Franco Baresi, providing world class coaches to put local youngsters through their paces.

The exceptional players among them could also be snapped up to the club’s academy as the club looks to expand its global scouting pool, the UK high on its agenda.

There will be opportunities for return visits to Milan to watch, or even play, in the world famous San Siro on the cards

More than just catering for the players, the coaches will also pass on their expertise to Hexham coaches.

The deal was confirmed by Azzuri Sports Management earlier this week, with AC‘s UK agent Carl Dunn, originally from Newcastle, excited to form the long term ties.

He said: “Starting with the North-East, we are looking to locate camps and build a structure for camps and an academy. We will hold three camps in Hexham next year but this is not just a one-off, and we envisage a five to 10 year project.

”There are many reasons we chose Hexham; the location is perfect as is the history of the town, the facilities at Dukeshouse are excellent and the people of Hexham are fabulous.

“Everything was there in Hexham and AC Milan are excited to be bringing this to the Tyne Valley and building up a long relationship.

“As well as the camps, we want to build up a camp and family here and we will look to enroll people in our academy and open up avenues to play in the San Siro.”

Ahead of the camps next year, an introductory meeting between the clubs will take place at Dukeshouse this Sunday.

From 6.30pm, Milan representatives will be in attendance to make themselves known to the local football community.

Hexham chairman Doug Robson said: “This is a marvellous boost for the club and the town, especially considering there is only a limited number of these soccer schools available and something we should all be proud of to be selected.”