DREAMS of million pound contracts and playing in front of thousands of fans could come true for East Lancashire youngsters.

The second round of Soccer Idols will be in Blackpool on September 14 as the search continues for the next Rooney or Ronaldo.

Anthony Barlow, head of football in the community at Blackburn Rovers, said: "We want the kids to have a great day and rub shoulders with Rovers players. Fostering home-grown talent and bringing promising local youngsters up to the professional game is what we are all about.

"With Soccer Idols we will be scouring the region to hopefully find exceptional young stars and give them the chance to realise their ambitions."

The competition, a collaboration between Lancashire soft drinks makers, Macaw, and Blackburn Rovers FC, will last throughout September. Two further heats will be revealed in coming weeks but interest in the heat at Bispham High School, in Blackpool, is expected to be huge.

Youngsters aged six to 16 can register to display their talents in front of Rovers scouts. The most promising players will go on to spend a day at the Blackburn Rovers Academy, working closely with scouts and coaches. Finalists will also win tickets to a Rovers game and could escort the players on to the pitch at Ewood Park.

Scouts are looking for enthusiasm and effort, as well as talent.

Mark Holloway, from the makers of H2 soft drinks, said: "It's just a great chance to get a shot at future soccer stardom."

The registration hotline is now open on 0870 444 3470.