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Media Star Global holds the India license for the super soccer star property which is owned by Galleon Holdings PLC (AIM: GON), an AIM listed entertainment media company that develops and produces multi-platform properties with a focus on emerging markets.

Under this tie-up, ESPN will broadcast the show around the 2010 FIFA World Cup football frenzy on Saturday and Sunday over 5 weekends during the tournament. 20 contestants aged 13-16 years old will be chosen after trials and live events across the country. Then they will enter an academy where over a period of weeks, 4 finalists will be shortlisted. These finalists will then come to London and will be evaluated by Chelsea FC. And, the winner will be titled the Super Soccer Star for the territory of India and also wins a training programme at Chelsea’s academy in Cobham.

On this association, Stephen Green, CEO, Galleon Holdings stated, “Super Soccer Star is a global entertainment brand and we are very proud to be working with ESPN STAR Sports and Media Star Global to discover young talent in a market the size of India.”

Then, Manu Sawhney, Managing Director, ESPN STAR Sports said, “We are delighted to partner Galleon Holdings PLC and Media Star Global for this exciting new football offering. As the leading sports broadcaster, it is our endeavor to work towards enhancing fans’ experience of their favourite sports in multiple ways. We believe that Super Soccer Star will further extend our comprehensive football offering to our viewers and help uncover the budding football talent in India. It will certainly provide an ideal opportunity for young enthusiasts of the sport to showcase their skills on a world famous platform.”

Further, Wasim Haq, CEO, Media Star Global added, “It is a great platform for young talented footballers with prowess, personality and star quality to get noticed and train with the best! We expect the program to attract strong viewership on ESPN, especially as it will air over weekends, during the FIFA World Cup.”