HIS skill and passion for the great game inspired generations of football fans across the North East.

Yesterday Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan returned to the region to launch a new scheme to inspire many more.

The former midfield maestro and man who created ‘The Entertainers’ at St James’ Park was at St Leonard’s RC School, in Durham city, to launch What’s Your Goal. The project aims to show youngsters they don’t have to be great players to have a career in football, as there are many off-the-pitch opportunities.

Keegan has been unveiled as one of 11 football experts from across the country, who will showcase the off-the-field football opportunities offered in football. Kevin said: “What’s Your Goal is a one-of-a-kind programme that gives students a foot in the door to try their hand at incredible jobs they’ve never considered before, inspiring thousands of others to believe in their own capabilities and futures.

“We’re looking for an extra special set of skills, ones that students can’t always get across in school exams and tests, the strength of character to be a referee, the assertiveness of a coach who needs to keep their team in check when the pressure is on, and the quick but caring quality of a team’s sports therapist.

“With one in five young people not able to find work in the UK, What’s Your Goal is a great way of using young people’s love of football to inspire their future goals, helping students to start thinking differently about their careers.”

The former England boss added: “Getting a break in football is extremely difficult and it was no different for me, but blind stubbornness pushed me to succeed.

“Hopefully I can inspire teenagers out there to get involved. Who knows, they might be replacing me before long.”

The 11 mentors backing the scheme include former footballer and QPR boss, Neil Warnock, and Sasa Ihringova, The Football League’s most senior female referee.

Students wishing to be involved should fill out a job application at www.npower.com/whatsyourgoal