Kevin Keegan: We can't all be the star player

Schoolchildren who can't play football and have failed their exams should not give up on a career in sport, Kevin Keegan said today.

The former England manager urged pupils not to write off their chance of an interesting career even if they are failing at school.

Speaking to the Evening Standard Keegan said: "A lot of young people give up on a career in football if they think they can't be a player.

"But there are a lot of jobs in football where you get quite near to your heroes and you are part of the team."

Keegan spoke out as he launched the What's Your Goal campaign, run by npower, designed to inspire children to try out less mainstream careers in football. The aim is to showcase the range of jobs in the football world.

Keegan said: "One in five 16 to 22-year olds are unemployed so this could be a wake up call for them - there are jobs out there but they go to people who sell themselves and want it more - so be one of those people."

As part of the campaign a group of teenagers will be able to try out their dream job for a day.

He added: "To a manager the kitman is one of the most important jobs. You have to be organised and love football. These are all achievable jobs. We are saying have a go. We are doing this campaign around football but you can say it's the same in rugby, cricket and tennis."

www.npower.com/whatsyourgoal