PETALING JAYA, October 13: Chelsea FC and British reality show giant, Galleon Entertainment, have teamed up in their search for Malaysia's next teen football idol.
Galleon has created the Super Soccer Star Malaysia reality TV series that promises participants an adrenaline rush on the football field, and heart pumping behind-the-scenes drama for home viewers.
Registration for Super Soccer Star Malaysia starts this October 13. Those aged 13 to 16 years can apply by texting 'SSS REG' to 37788, or by logging on to www.supersoccerstar.com.my.
Mahesh Ramachandra, Galleon's Global Director of Entertainment, said he expects applications from thousands of young Malaysian footballers whose dream is to play among some of the world's best young football talents.
"Four finalists will visit the Chelsea FC Youth Training Academy in London to be assessed by Chelsea's coaching staff, alongside other young international football talents. The final winner, selected by public vote, will be rewarded with a training stint in the Academy," he said.
Super Soccer Star is co-produced by Galleon and its local production partner, Nafalia Corporation Sdn Bhd. It will air on RTM2 at 9.00pm every Thursday, from December 18. The season will run for 13 one hour episodes till March 2009.
Chelsea FC is Super Soccer Star's official football partner worldwide. In Malaysia, the reality TV series is supported by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Ministry of Youth & Sports (KBS).
"Galleon is very excited to be working with Chelsea FC and RTM with the support of FAM and KBS to roll out the Super Soccer Star Malaysia reality TV series to a new country in Asia.
"The series was a phenomenal success as a national show and talent hunting platform when it premiered in China last year. We expect the same success when Super Soccer Star hits the screens in Malaysia too," Ramachandra said.
The partnership between Chelsea and other local partners was confirmed by Peter Kenyon, Chief Executive of Chelsea FC, who was in Malaysia this year in conjunction with Chelsea FC's 2008 Asian Tour.
"Super Soccer Star will be the most talked about football reality show in the coming months and a fantastic opportunity to expose our young football talents," enthused Mohd Najib Hj Jaafar, Executive Producer from Nafalia Corporation Sdn Bhd.
"The show's objectives are not just to find the best teen footballer, but also the kid with the most star quality. The focus of this reality TV show is on fun and entertainment with a strong celebrity component," added Ramachandra.
http://supersoccerstar.com.my/news1.php