YOUNG football fans in York will be able to watch the world's up and coming stars for free at Bootham Crescent next month.

There will be no charge for children under-16, accompanied by an adult, attending the Nationwide under-16 internationals involving England, Brazil and Thailand at York City's home.

Adults can watch the games for just £3 while OAP's will also be granted free admission.

England take on Thailand at Bootham Crescent on Tuesday, July 11 (kick-off 7.15pm) which is followed on the Thursday by Brazil v Thailand (kick-off 2.30pm).

The matches are part of the FA's prestigious Under-16 Nationwide International Tournament which also features England v Brazil at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Sunday, July 16.

England manager Kevin Keegan has taken a break from Euro 2000 duties to appeal to fans to get behind the nation's young stars.

He said: "This is a great opportunity to see England stars of the future play in an international tournament.

"Some of England's most famous footballers have progressed through the ranks from the Under-16s squad to representing their country in the senior squad.

"The game promises to be an exciting fixture and we are hoping to attract a big crowd to give them the support they deserve."

England's youth internationals have a good track record at York City, beating Northern Ireland 2-1 during last year's Adidas victory Shield tournament.

In 1996, the under-18s defeated Northern Ireland 4-0 in a UEFA Championship qualifier on the same ground, with four goals from a certain Michael Owen.

During last year's tournament, a crowd of 14,000 saw England under-16s beat Argentina 2-1 at Wembley.

Reading have become the new favourites to sign one-time York City striker Marco Gabbiadini from Darlington.

However, the Quakers insist that Gabbiadini, last season's leading marksman in division three, could remain at Feethams.

Fans seek new blood

YORK City Supporters Club are on the look-out for two or three new faces to join the committee.

At last night's annual general meeting, they issued an appeal for two or three "enthusiastic and hard working" individuals to take up the post.

One of their first tasks will be assisting with plans for an intensive recruitment drive to add to the 200 existing members.

Supporters Club press officer Robert Havercroft said they had set a realistic target of 500 members for the forthcoming season.

City chairman Douglas Craig, who was at last night's meeting along with manager terry Dolan, had set a figure of 1500 which would allow the Supporters Club to have a representative on the City board.

But Havercroft said that was unlikely. "I don't think we will get 1500 in one year, if ever," he said.

The big recruitment drive will begin on July 1.

Anybody interested in joining the committee should contact Robert Havercroft on York 761143 or secretary Ray Wynn on 797598.