THE COACH behind the Manchester United youth programme that produced the biggest names in British football – including David Beckham and Ryan Giggs – is coming to Swindon’s Football Festival.

Eric Harrison was Manchester United’s youth boss who discovered the talents of some of the Red Devils’ top players, and he will grace this weekend’s football fiesta in Swindon.

Former England and Liverpool star, John Barnes, who represented his country at three World Cups, will also be attending the event.

The World Cup themed event, which is taking place at Dorcan Recreation Complex, St Paul’s Drive, Covingham this Saturday will be a chance for children to take part in activities and tournaments in the lead-up to the world’s biggest sporting event.

The festival, which is being organised by Swindon Council, is aimed at boys and girls aged three and over, and will run from 9am until 5pm and should feature players from a different footballing countries to reflect the town’s diversity.

Sponsored by McDonald’s, TRAK Solutions, Bliss Hair Salon, 101 Foods, and Thamesdown Hydrotherapy Pool, the festival will feature mini soccer, a disability match, a Cohesion Cup with teams from different cultures taking part, street soccer, girls football, and a schools’ World Cup match. Later in the afternoon Mr Harrison – who also nurtured Gary Neville and Paul Scholes – will also be holding some coaching sessions for adults and children.

Shane Hewlett, from Swindon Town’s footballing in the community, said he was happy to have such big names in Swindon and said some talent could be ‘spotted’ at the event.

For more information about the World Cup Football Festival contact Shane Hewlett on 07919 112982.