SINGAPORE: Italian football giants AC Milan, which have chosen Singapore as their Southeast Asian football hub, are planning to organise activities here such as junior camps for children aged six to 16.

The five-day camps are slated to start in the second half of the year.

Former captain of Singapore national football team Aide Iskandar will be the technical director for the camps.

In addition, coaches from Italy will also be flown in. There are also plans to set up a permanent football school in Singapore.

"There is this plan to identify the best players in each region and invite them as guests of AC Milan for an experience in San Siro, the stadium in Milan. Together with the other kids in the world, (they will) participate (in) small tournaments and events," said Roberto Cartelli, chairman of Kick Off!, which is AC Milan's Singapore agent.

The Italians also want to reach out to this region and give English football a run for its money.

AC Milan's global ambassador Daniele Massaro said: "In Asia, AC Milan have many, many fans. And now (it is a) match between (the) Italian League and (the) Premier League."

Milan Park, a soccer-themed entertainment park with interactive games, will also be brought to Singapore.

A replica of the Champions League trophy that AC Milan won last season will be put on display at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel for the next two days. - CNA/ac